Management of oral submucous fibrosis: A Review

OSMF is a chronic disease of the oral cavity, which is more commonly found in the patients of south East Asia and is characterized by the build up of constricting bands of collagen in the buccal mucosa and adjacent structures. The precise cause is unknown but chewing of areca nut and its products, excess use of chilies and spices, poor nutrition, vitamin and iron deficiency have been suggested. Treatment holds option of both non-surgical and surgical approach. Non-surgical management includes multivitamin supplements including lycopene and range of medicines (e.g. intra-lesional injections of steroids, hyaluronidase, human placental extracts, chymotrypsin, pentoxyfilline, collagenase). Surgical intervention includes cutting of fibrous bands, which is used in more extreme cases. Heat therapy (thermodynamics) can also be used for resolving sub-mucous fibrosis.