Force, alternate movements, snap, suction and vibration functions of tongue are altered in oral submucous fibrosis patients

BACKGROUND: One of the most common clinical manifestations of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is restricted tongue movements. However, the characterization of involvement is needed to better understand the impairment of its functioning. In the present study, force, alternate movements, snap, suction, and vibration functions of the tongue were investigated in OSMF patients. METHODS: A total of 53 OSMF and 40 healthy individuals were recruited in the present study. Clinical parameters were used for the diagnosis and grading of OSMF. Alternate movements, snap, suction, vibration of the tongue and tongue force were assessed using standard methodology. RESULTS: Out of 53 OSMF subjects, 22 (42%) were in early stages and 31 (58%) in late stages. There were statistically significant differences between the OSMF and healthy individuals for tongue functions such as protrusion, retraction, lateral movements, altered snap, suction, and tongue vibration (p < 0.00001). All of the aforementioned tongue functions were more affected in advanced stage OSMF than in early stage OSMF (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Force, alternate movements, snap, suction and vibration functions of tongue are significantly altered in OSMF patients. The performance of the tongue movements by the OSMF subjects worsened with the disease progression.