Causes of oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus may appear as fine white lines or lace-like patches, redness, soreness, or shallow erosions on the cheeks, gums, tongue, or other mouth surfaces. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not something you can confirm from a single symptom. Dental materials, medicines, infections, and local irritation can sometimes produce a similar-looking reaction, so the history and examination matter. A clinician may review medicines, inspect the mouth and skin, and sometimes recommend a biopsy when the appearance is uncertain or persistent.

Some people have oral changes alongside skin or nail findings associated with lichen planus. Burning with spicy or acidic foods can be a useful detail to report.

Use a soft toothbrush, keep dental care gentle, and avoid tobacco, alcohol-based mouthwashes, and foods that clearly worsen burning. Tell your clinician about recent medicines and dental work. Treatment may involve topical corticosteroids applied as directed; more extensive or stubborn disease may prompt discussion of oral corticosteroid treatment. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.

Arrange review for mouth soreness, erosions, bleeding, or white patches that persist, interfere with eating, or keep returning. Seek prompt assessment for a new lump, a non-healing ulcer, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, because these findings need examination rather than self-treatment.

Ask whether the mouth changes fit lichen planus or another condition, whether a medicine or dental material could be involved, and whether a biopsy is useful. Ask how to apply treatment safely, how often follow-up is needed, and which mouth changes should be reported sooner.