ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS CAUSES
Hard chewable substances, mainly betel nuts or areca nuts (Areca catechu), have various substances that harm the oral mucosa and destroys its elasticity. Mouth fresheners containing betel nut may also irritate the mucosa if consumed in large amounts. Other causes of this disorder include:
- Consumption of excessive amounts of red chilies
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Extreme climatic conditions
- Immunological disorders
ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS SYMPTOMS:
The initial stage of OSF is characterized by a leathery sensation in the mucosa along with visible fibrotic bands. In a more advanced stage, the mucosa loses its elasticity and becomes stiff and blanched. This condition is thought to arise in the back of the mouth and gradually spread towards the outer parts. Some of its clinical features include the following:
- Trismus or incapability of opening the mouth because of oral fibrosis
- Change of taste
- Dryness of mouth
- Earache
- Loss of hearing, due to stenosis of eustachian tubes
- Nasal intonation of the voice
- Recurrent ulceration
- Increased salivation
- Difficulty in swallowing solid foods (only in cases where the esophagus is affected)
- Difficulty in opening and moving the mouth for activities like eating, talking and blowing
- Reduced movement of soft palate
- Small tongue
- Shrinking of the uvula
- Stiffening and thinning of the lips
ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS SURGICAL TREATMENT
Surgery may be required if the Fibrosis continues to progress despite all the above treatments and the interincisal distance gets below 2 cm. Various surgical treatment options adopted for remedying this condition include simple excision of fibrous bands and creating lingual pedicle and nasolabial flaps coronectomy or buccal fat pad grafting.
ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS PROGNOSIS
With the use of proper treatment, the prognosis or outcome of the disorder is positive in most patients. OSF can be cured completely when treated at an early stage.