Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Geeta Sharma.
docgeetarandhir@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has one of the highest rates of malignant transformation among potentially malignant oral lesions and conditions, therefore, a cause of concern for oral healthcare professionals. This research aims to evaluate the prevalence of OSMF among betel nut chewers in different age groups in patients visiting the Sarjug Dental College, Darbhanga, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 1720 patients of OSMF visiting Sarjug Dental College, Darbhanga over a period of 24 months (October 2017 to 2019) were included in the study. A detailed case history was taken and clinical examination was carried. The diagnosis of OSMF was made depending up on the symptoms like difficulty in opening the mouth and associated blanched oral mucosa, with palpable fibrous bands. Other diagnostic features included burning sensation, salivation, tongue protrusion, habits, and associated malignant changes. Study was done on the basis of age group, habit duration, frequency of habit, and type of habit. Simple correlation analysis was performed.  Results: Of the 1720 cases of OSMF studied, According to mouth opening, OSMF shows prevalence in stage II 804 (46.74%), followed by stage III 596 (34.66%), stage I 180 (10.47%), and stage IV 140 (8.14%).Based upon age group, group III (30--40 years) showed more prevalence than the others.  Conclusion: The high prevalence of OSMF requires significant awareness and management of these lesions among general population. So, dentists should be knowledgeable and familiar with the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of the lesion.

Keywords: Oral submucous fibrosis, mouth opening, erythroplakia, luekoplakia.