Over past four decades, many theories linking oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) to various risk factors have been proposed. Spicy, pungent foods and irritants such as areca nut, paan (betel leaves), tobacco (through chewing or smoking)-the common Asian habits of chewing the aforementioned agents-have all been incriminated as causative agents. Hence; in the present review, we highlight the pathogenetic aspect of OSMF.
Key Words: Areca nut, Oral sub mucous fibrosis, Premalignant.