Effect Of Local Application Of Aloe-Vera Gel In The Management Of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Background : Oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSF) is a high risk precancerous condition, associated with areca nut and related products chewing habits. Aloe vera is a mannoprotein known to promote wound healing, and have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant properties. Anthraquinones present in the latex also have cytotoxic, radio-protective as well as and metastatic regulatory processes Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the degree of improvement in clinical signs and symptoms of the disease before and after treatment with Aloe-Vera gel. Objectives: 1.To evaluate degree mouth opening before and after treatment. 2.To evaluate the cheek flexibility before and after treatment.3.To evaluate degree of tongue protrusion before and after treatment.4.To determine and correlate changes in burning sensation of mouth before and after treatment. Methodology: 20 OSF subjects were received intraoral local application of AloeVera gel thrice daily for one month. Pre and post Clinical parameters of degree of mouth opening tongue protrusion, cheek flexibility and burning sensation of mouth were evaluated. Results: Significant improvement was seen in patients with clinical parameters of degree of mouth opening, tongue protrusion, cheek flexibility and burning sensation of mouth (p-Value=0.0001). Conclusion: Topical use of Aloe-Vera and in OSF patients proved as safe, non-invasive and effective treatment modalities in impsroving mouth opening, tongue protrusion, cheek flexibility and reduction in burning sensation. Significant improvement in clinical signs and symptoms were achieved.