Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Retrospective Study

Author(s):

Manivasagam D, Muthukrishnan A* and Chaudary Manjari

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is defined as an insidious chronic disease affecting any part of the oral cavity and sometimes pharynx. Although, occasionally preceded by and/or associated with vesicle formation, it is always associated with juxta epithelial inflammatory reaction followed by fibroelastic changes in lamina propria with epithelial atrophy leading to stiffness of oral mucosa causing trismus and difficulty in eating. It is a condition with increased oxidative stress leading to free radical release. Thus, the aim of the study is to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of antioxidants in oral submucous fibrosis.
Materials & Methods: Retrospective analyses of 52 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients were included in the study. The habit history was recorded. The patients were administered systemic antioxidants after habit cessation. Therapeutic effectiveness was assessed by analyzing the recorded inter incisal distance measurement and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) response at baseline, 15 days, 30 days and 45 days.
Results: OSMF were reported maximum in 31 to 40 years (28.8%) with a male predilection (94%). Predominant site was right and left buccal mucosa (88.4%). Clinical grade II (44.2%) and grade III (38.5%) of OSMF were more prevalent. A paired t test performed for assessing mouth opening and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) preoperatively and postoperatively revealed significance value of p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively. Conclusion: The study concludes that habit cessation with a combination of antioxidants, multivitamins and minerals rapidly decrease the burning sensation and a significant increase in mouth opening.