Core Symptoms
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes inside your mouth. It can cause white, lacy patches, red, swollen areas, or sores to appear on the inside of your cheeks, gums, or tongue.
Certain medications or dental care can trigger the condition, and it is common for sufferers to experience sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods. A burning sensation may also occur without any obvious cause.
Other symptoms include inflamed or bleeding gums, a thick feeling on the tongue, and difficulty speaking or eating, which can significantly disrupt daily life.
There is no known universal cause for oral lichen planus. It is not an infection, cannot be passed from person to person, and is not hereditary.
The symptoms can lead to stress, depression, dietary deficiencies, weight loss, and an increased risk of oral cancer. However, effective treatment is available and should be tailored to meet your individual needs.
Individual Diagnosis
Oral lichen planus is an immune disorder where white blood cells involved in inflammation become activated. The triggers for this condition can vary from person to person.
In some cases, medication, mouth injury, other infections, an allergic reaction to dental materials, or even stress can trigger the condition. It’s important to note that stress can both contribute to and exacerbate symptoms.
At our London clinic, a maxillofacial consultant with expertise in lichen planus will assess your condition. This will include a thorough physical examination, a review of your medical history, and a discussion of your symptoms and how they affect you.
A specialist will be able to identify subtle differences in your symptoms, which can provide valuable clues. They may recommend blood tests, allergy tests, cellular tests for secondary infections, or, if necessary, a biopsy.
They will work to rule out other conditions, such as lupus, and confirm immune system proteins associated with oral lichen planus, helping to pinpoint a specific cause.
Treating Oral Lichen Planus
If a specific trigger for your oral lichen planus can be identified, such as a medication or allergen, it can often be addressed quickly.
In the short term, analgesic mouthwashes, ointments, or gels can help alleviate symptoms. Treatment may also focus on helping unpleasant lesions heal.
If no clear cause can be found, topical corticosteroids are often effective. In more serious cases, a course of systemic corticosteroids may be considered.
As with all immune response medications, it’s important to carefully consider the potential side effects in relation to the benefits and your overall health profile.
Support at Our Clinic
Your consultant will focus on developing the best treatment plan for you, considering everything from medication and treatment options to advice on diet and oral hygiene.
While there may not always be a complete cure for oral lichen planus, many patients experience significant improvement, and in some cases, the condition can be resolved. For others, the symptoms can be managed to improve quality of life.
For those cases, and in others, regular monitoring by your consultant is crucial. This allows for early intervention to alleviate flare-ups and reduces the risk of complications, such as mouth cancer developing in affected areas.
Our team is here to provide the support you need, both short and long term. Please feel free to get in touch with our Harley Street clinic at any time.