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Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder (PMD) and crippling condition of oral mucosa. It is a chronic insidious scarring disease of oral cavity, pharynx and upper digestive tract, characterized by progressive inability to open the mouth due to loss of elasticity and development of vertical fibrous bands in labial and buccal tissues. OSMF is a debilitating but preventable oral disease. It predominantly affects people of Southeast Asia and Indian subcontinent, where chewing of arecanut and its commercial preparation is high. Presence of fibrous bands is the main characteristic feature of OSMF. The present literature review provides the compilation of various classification system based on clinical and/or histopathological features of OSMF from several databases. The advantages and drawbacks of these classifications supersede each other, leading to perplexity. An attempt is made to provide and update the knowledge about this potentially malignant disorder to health care providers in order to help in early detection and treatment, thus reducing the mortality of oral cancer.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder (PMD) and crippling condition of oral mucosa. It is a chronic insidious scarring disease of oral cavity, pharynx and upper digestive tract, characterized by progressive inability to open the mouth due to loss of elasticity and development of vertical fibrous bands in labial and buccal tissues. OSMF is a debilitating but preventable oral disease. It predominantly affects people of Southeast Asia and Indian subcontinent, where chewing of arecanut and its commercial preparation is high. Presence of fibrous bands is the main characteristic feature of OSMF. The present literature review provides the compilation of various classification system based on clinical and/or histopathological features of OSMF from several databases. The advantages and drawbacks of these classifications supersede each other, leading to perplexity. An attempt is made to provide and update the knowledge about this potentially malignant disorder to health care providers in order to help in early detection and treatment, thus reducing the mortality of oral cancer.

Teledentistry is a relatively new field that combines telecommunication technology and dental care. Teledentistry's roots lie in telemedicine. Telemedicine (and by inclusion teledentistry) has been defined as "the practice of health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment and education using interactive audio, video or data communications'. Improvement in accessibility of health care and lowered health care costs are only two of the many advantages that will emerge as teledentistry becomes integrated with, and fundamentally change, the practice of dentistry. Some barriers still exist for teledentistry practice, including legal, educational and insurance issues. In spite of having these "teething troubles", the potential of telemedicine and teledentistry is tremendous. In this article, we review the development of teledentistry, its use in dental education and treatment planning, its strengths and limitations, and its future role.