Efficacy of spirulina with isometric exercises in the management of oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory, potentially malignant oral disorder. Spirulina with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties has shown promising results in the management of OSMF. Few studies involving isometric exercises are stated in literature as physiotherapy modalities for OSMF. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of spirulina with isometric exercises in the management of OSMF. Materials and Methods: A study consisted of 15 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients. All patients were given spirulina 500 mg twice a day for 3 months. Patients were instructed to perform isometric mouth exercises for 20 min, twice daily. Patients were evaluated every 15 days for the assessment of clinical parameters. Results were analyzed with SPSS software. Results: There was a significant reduction in burning sensation (59%) and increment of 3.2 mm in mouth opening with P = 0.001. The present study also showed significant improvement in cheek flexibility and tongue protrusion (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Spirulina along with isometric exercises was well tolerated by patients. All the clinical parameters (burning sensation, mouth opening, tongue protrusion, and cheek flexibility) showed a statistically significant improvement. Thus, the present combined modality was non-invasive, cost-effective, and beneficial in the management of OSMF.

Salivary Evaluation of trace Elements in Oral Submucous Fibrosis– An Atom Absorption Spectroscopic Study

“…The clinical examination was performed and parameters such as mouth opening and tongue protrusion was recorded using vernier caliper. 6 The unstimulated saliva sample approx. 5 ml was collected through draining method between 8 to 10 am before any oral hygiene practice such as brushing or use of mouthwashes.…”