12617 Louetta Rd Suite #204 Cypress, TX 77429

info@vpfamilydental.com

(281) 376-4444

C

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Open Late Evenings and Saturdays
blog

What Triggers Oral Lichen Planus

July 15, 2024
1896 Views

Ever experienced white lacy patches inside the walls of your mouth? This condition is very common and can happen to anyone. However, understanding “What triggers oral lichen planus?” can help you avoid it to a great extent.

What Is Oral Lichen Planus?

Oral lichen planus is a long-lasting condition that affects the mouth, causing white patches, redness, and swelling. It doesn’t go away completely, but you can manage it.

It’s not contagious and can affect anyone, though it’s more common in women than men. It usually occurs in people over 40, but kids and young adults can get it, too.

Oral Lichen Planus Symptoms

Lesions from oral lichen planus show up inside your mouth. They can be found in these places:

  • Inside your cheeks (this is the most common spot)
  • Gums
  • Tongue
  • Inner parts of your lips
  • Roof of your mouth

These lesions can look like white, lacy patches that resemble spiderwebs or red, swollen areas. They can also turn into open sores.

White, lacy lesions usually don’t cause much pain or discomfort. But red, swollen lesions or open sores can be painful. Symptoms can include:

  • Burning or stinging pain in the affected area
  • Pain or discomfort when talking, eating, or drinking (especially if you have open sores)
  • Increased sensitivity to acidic, spicy, rough, or hot foods
  • Swollen gums, which can bleed when you brush your teeth.

Is Oral Lichen Planus Dangerous?

No, oral lichen planus is not dangerous, but it can be annoying and bothersome. It is a long-term condition that can’t be cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce lesions.

Major Triggers

Certain things can cause oral lichen planus to start or flare up if you already have it. These include:

  • Some medicines, like painkillers, high blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, and malaria treatments
  • A reaction to metal in your mouth, like dental fillings
  • Other mouth issues, such as a rough crown or a habit of biting your cheeks or tongue
  • Mouth injury
  • Food allergies
  • Infections

New Treatment for Oral Lichen Planus

If you only feel a slight roughness in your mouth, you might not need treatment. If you’re in pain or have sores, your doctor can recommend a corticosteroid cream. In rare cases, they might prescribe steroid pills.

If your doctor thinks your immune system is causing the symptoms, they might suggest medication to reduce its activity. These medications include:

  • Topical Ointment or Gel: Calcineurin inhibitors are medications that work similarly to those used after an organ transplant to prevent rejection. However, they come with an FDA warning because they may increase your risk of cancer.
  • Systemic Medications: These are oral medications. Your doctor prescribes them if you have oral lichen planus affecting other parts of your body, such as your scalp, genitals, or esophagus.

Key Note

Knowing “What triggers oral lichen planus is helpful. However, it is not curable. Regular visits to your dentist or healthcare provider can help you control your symptoms and adjust your treatment as needed. They will also check for any signs of mouth cancer.

Visit our dental professionals at Village Park Family Dentists of Cypress. Our dentists will provide you with all the care you need to manage such conditions. Call us at (281) 376-4444 to schedule an appointment.

Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs. All blogs are meant to be educational. We advise always consulting with a professional before attempting anything written in a blog. We can not guarantee all of the services that we write about in our blogs. Any attempt to perform anything written in a blog can result in serious injury or fatality without expert guidance and oversight.

Categories

Skip to content