Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Oral Submucous Fibrosis – Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The oral cavity is considered to be the mirror of our overall health. The oral mucous membrane is a special area of the body that is exposed to various things like microorganisms, hot and cold things, and chemical and mechanical irritations. In response to these things, there can be acute and chronic changes. In this article, we will be reading about oral submucous fibrosis which is one of the common oral diseases.

Introduction

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially debilitating condition that affects the connective tissues inside the mouth, particularly the mucosa (the soft tissue lining). It is characterized by fibrosis (scarring) and a reduction in the flexibility of the oral mucosa. The condition leads to the gradual stiffening of the tissues in the mouth, which can cause symptoms such as difficulty in opening the mouth (trismus), pain, and so on. Incorporating effective home remedies for Oral Submucous Fibrosis can help manage symptoms naturally and support overall oral health.

Classification of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is classified into several stages based on the severity of symptoms and the extent of fibrosis in the oral tissues. The stages help to guide diagnosis and treatment options. The commonly used classification system includes four stages of Oral submucous Fibrosis:

Stage 1: Mild Stage (Initial/Pre-fibrotic Phase)

Symptoms

1. The patient may experience a mild burning sensation in the mouth, particularly after consuming spicy food or irritants.
2. There might be some mild blanching or pale appearance of the mucosa, but no significant fibrotic bands or thickening.

Diagnosis

This stage is primarily characterized by subtle changes, and diagnosis is usually based on the patient’s history of betel nut/tobacco use and the symptoms of burning or discomfort.

Stage 2: Moderate Stage (Fibrosis with Early Trismus)

Symptoms

1. There is a noticeable burning sensation in the mouth, especially when eating hot, spicy, or acidic foods.
2. The mucosa becomes more rigid and fibrous.
3. Trismus (difficulty in opening the mouth) starts to develop, but the limitation in mouth opening is still mild to moderate.

Diagnosis

The degree of mouth opening is measured, and the fibrosis becomes more apparent. The presence of fibrotic bands or pale patches in the oral mucosa may be observed.

Stage 3: Advanced Stage (Severe Fibrosis with Marked Trismus)

Symptoms

1. A more pronounced burning sensation, with pain that may be persistent.
2. Mouth opening becomes severely restricted (trismus), and patients may struggle to open their mouths more than a small distance (less than 2-3 cm).
3. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, leading to nutritional concerns.
4. The mucosa may become very stiff and thickened, and the patient may develop a dry mouth.

Stage 4: End-Stage (Severe/Advanced with Complications)

Symptoms

1. Trismus is severe, often leading to an inability to open the mouth properly.
2. Significant difficulty in chewing and swallowing, potentially requiring a feeding tube in extreme cases.
3. The burning sensation and pain may become constant and debilitating.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Stage 4 oral submucous fibrosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, assessment of oral cavity mobility, and evaluation of symptoms such as trismus and pain.

Symptoms

1. Burning sensation in the mouth
2. Restricted in the mouth opening (trismus)
3. Difficulty in swallowing
4. Dryness in the mouth
5. Whitish or pale mucosal patches in the oral cavity
6. Oral ulcers and lesions that may become more frequent
7. One of the main symptoms is the thickening or formation of fibrotic bands in the mouth, especially around the cheeks, gums, and lips.

Causes

1. Chewing the betel nuts or areca nuts
2. Chronic smoking can also be one of the reasons for Oral submucous fibrosis
3. Nutritional deficiencies, like zinc and iron
4. Genetic predisposition can be one of the factors causing oral submucous fibrosis
5. Autoimmune factors can also cause factors leading to the contribution of oral submucous fibrosis

Diagnosis

1. Biopsy
2. Histopathological examination of the affected tissue.
3. Clinical Examination of the patient

Treatment

1. Medications, e.g., corticosteroids, vitamins, and antioxidants, are used to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation.
2. Physiotherapy or exercises to help improve mouth opening.
3. Surgical interventions in severe cases are required to release fibrotic bands.
4. Prevention through cessation of areca nut and tobacco use is crucial to halting the disease’s progression.

Complications of Submucous Fibrosis

1. Necrosis
2. Venous Congestion
3. Subretinal neovascularization
4. Damage to the great auricular and spinal accessory nerve
5. Malignant transformation
6. Xerostomia

Home Remedies for Oral Submucous Fibrosis

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce swelling and inflammation in the mouth. Applying a turmeric paste (mixing turmeric powder with water or coconut oil) to the affected areas may bring relief.

2. Honey

Honey has healing and soothing properties that can reduce the irritation in the mouth. You can apply honey to the affected areas of your oral mucosa. Consuming honey with warm water may also help with the symptoms.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Swishing the coconut oil for 15 minutes may help reduce the symptoms of OSMF.

4. Amla

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is rich in vitamin C and has antioxidant properties that may help with tissue repair and immune system support.

5. Avoiding Irritants

Avoid hot, acidic, and spicy food as well as areca nut and tobacco chewing, causing further irritation to the mucosal lining of the mouth. Hydrating well is important to keep the mouth moist and prevent further damage.

Herbal Remedies For Oral Submucous Fibrosis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a company that has GMP CERTIFIED, HACCP CERTIFIED, HALAL CERTIFIED, ISO CERTIFIED, and many more certifications. They make products not only for humans but for pets as well, under the supervision of MD Practitioners. They make products that are 100% natural and have no side effects. These products do not contain any kind of synthetic materials or preservatives. These products help in managing various health problems.

1. Gum Care Powder

This powder contains natural herbs like Sonthi (Zingiber Officinale), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Mustak (Cyprus rotundus), Pong (Areca Catechu), and many other herbs. Its natural antiseptic properties help control bacterial growth in the restricted oral cavity. By stimulating blood circulation, it may slow the progression of fibrosis.

Method of Application: This powder is gently massaged on teeth and gums with 3-6 grams.

2. Coral Calcium Complex

These are capsules made from using natural herbs like Coral (Parval Pisthi), Agate (Akik Pishti), Ayurvedic Herbs (Jawar Mohra Pishti, Kamdudha Ras), Pearl (Mukta Pishti), Giloy Satva (Guduchi). Its alkalizing properties help maintain a healthy oral environment, while essential minerals like magnesium and zinc contribute to healing and immune support, making it a valuable adjunct in OSMF management.

Dosage: Take one capsule twice daily after a meal with plain water.

3. Arjun Saar

Arjun Saar is made up of the natural herb Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) which controls bleeding, and Amla (Emblica Officinalis). Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce oral mucosa swelling while promoting tissue healing and regeneration. Arjun Saar also improves circulation and provides antioxidant protection, supporting the recovery of fibrotic tissues in OSMF.

Dosage: Massage your teeth and gums with 3-6 gms gently. Rinse it after 2-3 minutes with lukewarm water.

4. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin capsules are made up of many herbs that are 100% standardized extract, like 500mg of Haridra Extract (Curcuma Longa), which is a 7:1 ratio, and Linn Zingiberaceae containing 95% curcuminoids. Vegetarian capsule is made from plant cellulose containing an active moiety. It is also known as nisha and Kanchanai. Curcumin capsules help manage oral submucous fibrosis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. They improve mouth opening and burning sensation. It helps to maintain the immune system and our three doshas.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Ashwagandha products primarily feature Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract as the key ingredient. It helps reduce inflammation in the oral mucosa, a key concern in oral submucous fibrosis, while its regenerative properties support the healing of fibrotic tissues and reduce oral stiffness and also helps alleviate stress, which can exacerbate the condition.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Chandraprabha Vati

It contains many herbs like Shilajit (Asphaltum), Guggal (Commiphora Mukul), Sharkara (Sugar), Karpoor (Cinnamomum Camphora), Haridra (Curcuma Longa), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Chavya (Piper Chaba), and Pippali (Piper Longum). It helps reduce inflammation in the oral mucosa while promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues. Its detoxifying effect aids in eliminating excess toxins from the body, potentially slowing the progression of fibrosis.
Dosage: Take 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day with lukewarm water.

7. Kanchnaar Guggal

These capsules contain many herbs like Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica), Guggal (Commiphora Mukul), Kachnar Bark (Bauhinia Variegata), and Varuna Bark (Crataeva Religiosa). It helps reduce inflammation in the oral mucosa while also supporting the reduction of fibrotic tissue formation, which can help ease oral stiffness and improve mouth opening.
Dosage: Take 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day, daily with lukewarm water.

Conclusion

Oral submucous fibrosis is a common oral condition, more prevalent in males (67%) than females (33%), mainly due to areca nut and tobacco chewing. Symptoms include dry mouth, cheek fibrosis, and a burning sensation. Diagnosis is through biopsy and clinical exams. Ayurvedic Treatment for Oral submucous fibrosis includes corticosteroids, vitamins, antioxidants, and physiotherapy. Home remedies like turmeric and honey may help. Planet Ayurveda offers herbal support with products like Coral Calcium Complex, Arjun Saar, and Curcumin Capsules. Visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com for more details.