Medical management of oral submucous fibrosis

Dear Editor, A b o u t 5 m i l l i o n p e o p l e i n I n d i a h ave o r a l submucous fibrosis and recent data suggest a male predominance. Age group between second and third decade is commonly involved. Risk of malignant transformation ranges from 7% to 30%. Restricted mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis makes examination and early diagnosis of cancer difficult. Medical management is the treatment of choice in early stages of this chronic precancerous condition. A patient has to undergo dietary habit counseling and stop intaking arecanut, tobacco and spicy food. Patient’s diet should include proteins, vitamin D, E and B complex and micronutrients.