title: Effectiveness of Aloe Vera and Antioxidant along with Physiotherapy in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a well-established precancerous condition affecting the oral mucosa. It is a disease that causes significant morbidity (in terms of loss of mouth function as tissues become rigid and mouth opening becomes difficult) and mortality (when transformation into squamous cell carcinoma occurs).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of Aloe vera with antioxidant when given along with physiotherapy in the management of OSMF.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty patients presenting with clinical signs and symptoms of OSMF were included for the study after informed consent. Group A included 20 patients who received Aloe vera gel (forever living gel) along with physiotherapy. Group B included 20 patients who received antioxidant capsules twice daily for 3 months along with physiotherapy exercises four times in a day. The following parameters, that is, burning sensation, mouth opening, tongue protrusion and cheek flexibility were recorded at each visit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Majority of the participant enrolled were in the age range of 30 to 35 years. Improvement in all the parameters was seen with the individuals receiving Aloe vera gel in comparison to antioxidants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  So, Aloe vera being a soothing, simple and safe mode of treatment along with proper habit restriction can be considered to be an effectual protocol in the management of OSMF. The analgesic effects of Aloe vera with the physiotherapy exercises provide better results in reducing burning sensation and improving mouth opening, tongue protrusion and cheek flexibility in comparison to antioxidants.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital, Pune 411043 Maharashtra, India, Phone: +8554857898, e-mail: dr.nish12oct@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nisha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Manjula
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hebbale
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mhapuskar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Shams
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ul Nisa
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Shameeka
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thopte
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Dental College and Hospital Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Saumya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000504:Aloe; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009914:Oral Submucous Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Aloe vera; Antioxidant; Hebbale M; Mhapuskar A; Oral submucous fibrosis; Physiotherapy. How to cite this article: Singh N; Singh S. Effectiveness of Aloe Vera and Antioxidant along with Physiotherapy in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(1): 78-84. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None.; Thopte S; Ul Nisa S