Will quitting gutkha improve my mouth opening?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns so openly. That takes real courage, and I want you to know that I hear you. Three years is a long time, and the fact that you are now seeking help shows that you are ready to take care of yourself.

Based on what you have described, including difficulty opening your mouth fully after using gutkha for three years and having slim cheeks, your symptoms are consistent with a condition called oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). This is a chronic condition caused primarily by chewing areca nut, which is found in gutkha, paan, and supari. In OSMF, the soft tissues inside the mouth gradually become stiff and fibrous, leading to reduced mouth opening, burning sensations, and changes in facial appearance.

This is manageable, especially when caught early. But it does require your commitment to two things: stopping gutkha completely and seeking professional care promptly.

Here is what I strongly recommend:

• Stop gutkha immediately. This is the single most important step. Every day you continue, the fibrosis can progress further. I know quitting can be hard, but your mouth is literally asking you to stop. Your future self will thank you.

• Consult with an oral medicine specialist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon right away. They will examine your mouth, measure your mouth opening, determine the severity of fibrosis, and develop a treatment plan for you.

The management of the problem normally entails guided and controlled mouth opening exercises that will enhance jaw mobility, in addition to taking certain nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamins to counter any deficiency and facilitate healing. However, in an advanced case where the mouth opening is greatly reduced, surgery might become necessary to release the bands.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.