Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic debilitating disease of the oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues (lamina propria and deeper connective tissues). Oral submucous fibrosis results in marked rigidity and an eventual inability to open the mouth
If the disease is detected at a very early stage, cessation of the habit is sufficient. Most patients with oral submucous fibrosis present with moderate-to-severe disease. Moderate-to-severe oral submucous fibrosis is irreversible. Medical treatment is symptomatic and predominantly aimed at improving mouth movements.
The treatment of oral submucous fibrosis includes iron, multivitamins including lycopene, spirulina, pentoxifyl- line, local submucosal injections of steroids, hyaluronidase and chylomicrons, aqueous extract of healthy human placenta, and surgical excision of the fibrous bands.