Year : 2022

Volume : Volume 13

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Kajal Shilu
Kajalshilu777@gmail.com

Abstract

Aim: An etiological and epidemiological study of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has been done in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Material and Methods: Atotal of 150 cases of OSMF and 135 control subjects were selected for study in the period of 1 year. Results: It was observed that male: female ratio was 2.7: 1. The youngest case of OSMF was 11 year old and the oldest one was 54 years of age. Maximum numbers of cases were belonging to 21 40 years of age and they were belonging to low or middle socioeconomic class. Most of the OSMF cases used heavy spices and chilies, whereas control mild spices and chilies. Gutkha was the most commonly used by the OSMF cases only 3% did not use any gutkha or other areca nut product whereas 80% control did not have any chewing habit. Most of the OSMF cases kept gutkha in the buccal vestibule or they chewed and swallowed it. Conclusion: Since people take to gutkha chewing at a comparatively younger age and as it requires a shorter duration of chewing to precipitate OSMF, there may be an increased risk of their developing malignant changes, in such OSMF cases.

Keywords: Arecanut, Chilies, Gutkha, Oral submucous fibrosis, Pan masala.