PREVALENCE OF ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS (OSMF) AMONG SMOKELESS TOBACCO CONSUMERS IN A RURAL HOSPITAL: A CROSS - SECTIONAL STUDY

India, country with diverse culture, health beliefs, practices, habits and risk factors for disease is facing epidemiological and demographic translation in arena of rise of non communicable disease. Tobacco use was introduced in the 16th century. Tobacco is one of the most important plant product which gathers attention from all the health professionals, just because variety of diseases caused by its use. Tobacco can cause a wide range of diseases which impacts nearly every organ of body. South Asia is major producer and net exporter of tobacco. India is also second largest consumer of tobacco products and third largest producer of tobacco products