Evaluation of fluoride levels in areca nut, tobacco, and commercial smokeless tobacco products: A pilot study
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition associated with chewing areca nut and tobacco products. High fluoride levels observed in some OSMF endemic regions suggest fluoride may contribute to pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess fluoride content in various smokeless tobacco items as a potential influencing source. Fluoride concentration was analyzed in commercial areca nut products including gutkha, pan masala and raw areca nut, along with tobacco, slaked lime and catechu samples from Karnataka, India.