Background: ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA (OLK) Oral leukoplakia [OLK] and Oral Submucous Fibrosis [OSMF] are the two most common potentially malignant OLK is the most common potentially malignant disorder in the oral disorders of oral cavity. Their malignant transformation rate ranges from 2-14% and can transform into Oral Squamous Cell cavity. Carcinoma [OSCC] , which is the most common cancer in india. Mortality and morbidity associated with OSCC is alarmingly How to recognize OLK? high. Diagnosing the disease at it’s initial stage will prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with it. I. It can occur anywhere in oral cavity. Awareness of these potentially malignant disorders should be high among the public for the patients to recognize it II. History of tobacco in any form . and report to the clinicians at the earliest for treatment and prevention of OSCC. III. It is an elevated patch . IV. It can be white , mixed with white and red areas . Objective : V. It can also be a verrucous lesion ( finger like projection / wart The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of OLK and OSMF in general public. like projection). VI. Diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy. Methodology : So, when you see all these above change kindly meet your There was no sampling method used. 102 consecutive people in and around Banashankari bus stop, Bengaluru, nearest dentist or dental institute. were interviewed on one-to-one basis and were asked whether they were aware of OSMF and OLK. Result : ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS (OSMF) Oral Leukoplakia I. Total Number of Respondents- 102 OSMF is a chronic debilitating disease of the oral cavity I. Age of Participants: Average age 36.2 years characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the Age Range 18-72 years submucosal tissues (lamina propria and deeper connective About 60% of respondents were less than 35 years of age tissues). II. Gender of Participants: Respondents were predominantly male. (Only two females were among the respondents) How to recognize OSMF? III. Tobacco consumption among respondents I. Burning sensation of mouth, inability to eat spicy food. Respondents with both smoking and chewing habits: 35 II. History of Areca Nut chewing habit ( Betel Quids, Gutka, Paan 100 masala, Paan, Supari). 80 III. Reduced mouth opening . 60 IV. Diagnosis is mainly done by clinical examination and biopsy is 40 done to rule out Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). 20 So, when you see all these above change kindly meet your 0 nearest dentist or dental institute. Reduced Mouth opening and blanched Smokers Chewers No Habits (white) and leathery (hard) consistency of Number 53 79 27 Suggestion to overcome lack of awareness oral mucosa in OSMF .To conduct screening among risky population who are IV. Awareness of Precancer among respondents consuming tobacco/arecanut and once in six months a dental visit should be encouraged. .Creating awareness among the public to stop cigarette smoking, gutkha chewing, tobacco and betel leaf chewing by conducting seminars, street plays, advertisements, media, television and newspapers. .Making people aware about the deadly disease cancer and about pre cancer diseases like OLK and OSMF which 98.04% of the participants leads to OSCC. .Oral cavity is an accessible part of the body which can be Constricted Uvula and blanched palatal were unaware of easily visualized by the person himself/herself. Making self mucosa in OSMF these lesions. examination among general public popular and educating them about OLK and OSMF. Aware Unaware EARLY RECOGNITION OF THESE LESIONS WILL SAVE A Conclusion : LOT OF INDIVIDUALS AND PREVENT SUFFERINGS OF There is a high level of ignorance regarding potentially malignant disorders among general public THEIR FAMILIES AND SOCIETY especially tobacco users. Government and the private sectors should work hand in hand in spreading the AS A WHOLE. awareness of these potentially malignant disorders among general public which in turn would help in reducing the incidence of OSCC and reduce the burden of this disease on the individual and the society.