Oral lichen planus: description and symptoms

Symptoms can include burning, tenderness, sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods, and discomfort when brushing. Oral disease may occur with skin changes such as itchy bumps, although mouth findings can occur on their own. A dentist, dermatologist, or oral medicine clinician may examine the mouth and sometimes recommend a small sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Use a soft toothbrush, choose mild toothpaste, and avoid tobacco, alcohol-based mouthwash, and foods that sting. Keep dental appointments so irritation, plaque, or sharp teeth can be addressed. Treatment may involve a medicine applied inside the mouth; more extensive symptoms may need an oral corticosteroid treatment under clinical supervision.

Arrange an assessment for persistent mouth soreness, white or red patches, ulcers, bleeding, or a change that does not settle. Seek prompt help if pain prevents eating or drinking, swallowing becomes difficult, or a lesion repeatedly returns in the same place.

Ask which mouth areas are affected, whether a biopsy is needed, how to use the prescribed medicine, and how follow-up will monitor a persistent sore or patch.