Oral submucous fibrosis at pediatric age, now time to think: Series of two cases

Abstract

The younger generation is consuming areca nut and areca nut products, which is coming in the market with different multicolored attractive pouches and easily available in each and every corner of the road. For the children from the lower socioeconomic strata, areca nut use is rampant. Alarmingly, it has been seen that the highest period of risk for engaging in areca nut alone is between the ages of 5 and 12. Oral submucous fibrosis associated with areca nut in children is a great concern for the Society and the Government. Factors associated with this report for consuming areca nut are levels of awareness, household environment, peer pressure, low cost, easy availability etc.

Oral Precancerous Lesions in Childhood: Attention to the Pediatricians and Pediatric Dentists

“…Areca nut chewing are the dominant factor in OSF etiology and it is used as fourth harmful habit in the world after tobacco, alcohol and cafein (58). The use of Areca nut is widely preferred, especially in India, Western Pacific, South and Southeast Asia (21,59). The sale of Areca nut products in attractive and coloured packages in general public areas in recent years has lead to an increase prevalence of OSF in young populations.…”

“…The sale of Areca nut products in attractive and coloured packages in general public areas in recent years has lead to an increase prevalence of OSF in young populations. The addiction of areca nut and the increased risk of OSF especially in children aged 5-12 cause great concerns (21). Gupta et al (21), in a case study of two children aged 10 and 11 years, reported that children were chewing areca nut for 6-7 years and main clinical findings were limitation of mouth opening, burning oral mucosa and poor oral hygiene.…”

“…In case of OSF diagnosis; providing regular nutrition, avoidance of spicy foods, maintainance of oral hygiene, mouth opening exercises to increase mouth opening and follow-ups are recommended. Gupta et al (21) reported that healing could be achieved by providing these proposals. It is stated such harmful habits that are risky in quality of life are generally acquired in childhood and this results in addiction.…”

“…The fact that both smoking and alcohol use are the etiological factors of oral precancerous lesions (8) and the reducing age of these habits in developing countries show that children are at severe risk. On the other hand, it is observed that substance addiction such as areca nut which is etiological factors of precancerous lesions of oral mucosa, especially in Asian societies, increases in children aged 5-12 years (21). The reduce of age of initiation of these harmful habits in children leads to the occurance of potential oral precancerous lesions.…”

Role of curcumin in management of potentially malignant disorders: A review of literature

“…[8] OSMF may be defined as a slowly progressing disease, in which the fibrous bands form in the oral mucosa, ultimately leading to severe restriction of movement of the mouth including the tongue. [8,9] The highest incidence is seen in South East Asians and has been associated with betel nut chewing. This condition is most commonly seen in young adults, in the second to fourth decade of their life.…”