Current Approaches in the Treatment and Prevention of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Chronic Disease Perspective

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, and scarring disease of the oral cavity, often extending to the pharynx and upper esophagus, primarily caused by the chewing of areca nuts, betel quid, ghutka, mawa, and similar substances. This review highlights the potential role of antioxidants such as lycopene, curcumin, spirulina, and β-carotene in managing OSMF. It explores the synergistic effects of these antioxidants in combating oxidative stress and proposes the development of buccal oral patches as a novel therapeutic approach. These patches are designed to adhere to the affected oral mucosa, providing a controlled release of antioxidants directly to the lesion site, offering a promising direction for future treatment strategies. This approach may help alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve patient outcomes in OSMF management.