Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis in Pediatric Patient

Abstract A 9-year-old girl reported to the outpatient department with reduced mouth opening and the presence of burning sensation while consumption of spicy food. On examination, blanching was seen in the right and left buccal mucosa along with the palate. The patient was diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis. A comprehensive treatment plan was made based on conservative management that included motivation and intense counseling of the patient and her parents so that she quits the habit of chewing areca nut and tobacco, along with systemic treatment of Vitamin A complex supplements, antioxidants, multivitamins, and oral physiotherapy. We present this case to highlight the difficulties faced by clinical practitioners in providing treatment because of the taboos and myths associated with surgical treatment modality in rural populations and to emphasize the menace of increasing consumption and availability of tobacco and areca nut to children.