What is Oral Submucous Fibrosis?
- Oral Submucous Fibrosis is a high risk precancerous condition of oral cavity.
- OSMF has a high rate of morbidity because it causes a progressive inablility to open the mouth, resulting difficulty in eating and consequent nutritional deficiencies.
- More than 50 million Indians suffer from OSMF. OSMF affects not only all age groups but also all socioeconomic strata in India.
Why does OSMF occours?
OSMF is caused by consumption of : Areca nut (supar), Pan, Gutkha, Pan Masala, Tobacco & smoking.
What if OSMF is not treated?
OSMF is a precancerous condition, if untreated can lead to development of oral cancer
How can OSMF be detected early?
- Oral submucous Fibrosis is easy to diagnose. Just let your dentist know if you are suffering with any of the following.
- Pain and burining sensation while taking food
- Reduced opening of mouth
- Fibrous Bands on mouth lining
- Whitening of the oral mucosa
- Ulceration and dryness in mouth
- Reduced mobility of tongue
If you experience with any of the symptoms please inform your dentist.
The dentist examines your mouth with the help of various tools. Remember, your dentist is able to see parts of your mouth that you cannnot see easily by yourself.
Can OSMF be cured
Most of the oral cancers develop from premalignant conditions of the oral cavity like Oral Submucous Fibrosis.
If OSMF is diagnosed early then the chances of a cure are good
How your dentist can help
- Dentist have a key role in early detection oand treatement of pre cancerous conditions like Oral submucous Fibrosis
- Dentists can identify risk factors that can lead to oral cancer and advise patients
- Dentists can identify changes or abnormality in oral tissues
- Dentists will prescribe you medicaiton and recommend excercises as per the severity.
- Early detection would not only improve the cure rate, but it would also lower the cost and morbidity associated with treatment.
Kindly consult your dentist before taking any medication.