Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus Treatment Clinic in London

What's oral lichen planus?

Lichen planus is a disease that can last for a long time. It affects the mouth and other body parts sometimes.

Oral lichen planus happens when it appears in the mouth. It can show up by itself or could be seen as a symptom of a disease that affects other body parts. Oral lichen planus is common in people of middle age and above. Women are more susceptible to it than men.

If you have this disease, you should come to the Harley Street Dentist. We have qualified dentists that can treat your case very well.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus

The tell-tale signs of lichen planus are numerous but the most common symptoms are white patches on the cheeks, gums, and tongue. These signs are usually painless although one can experience ulcers, redness, or in rare cases blistering together with white patches. Should this happen, you may have pain eating spicy or hot foods. Do visit your dentist to check out your mouth and get help with your oral health today.

Causes of oral lichen planus

The cause of oral lichen planus in most patients is unknown. Lichen planus may be a sign of a small weakness in your immune system, but people infected with it usually do not have other problems.

Sometimes, a reaction to drugs like penicillamine, gold, beta-blockers, painkillers, medicines for high blood pressure, or diabetic treatments may cause oral lichen planus.

Infection does not cause oral lichen planus, and it is not hereditary. Often, citrus fruits, spicy foods, or emotional stress can worsen the symptoms of this disease.

Diagnosis of oral lichen planus

A careful examination by a specialist is usually done to diagnose lichen planus. Since it shares symptoms with other ailments, a biopsy is usually needed to verify the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the mouth. The patient is injected with a local anaesthetic, and the area takes 7 to 10 days to heal. Should you be suspecting oral lichen planus in your mouth, please see our dentist at the Harley Street Dentist for further diagnosis and treatment. You can also call us on 020 71830903.

Treatment of oral lichen planus

This disease is usually treated when it comes with painful symptoms. Patients who have white patches (which isn’t painful) do complain of a slight roughness of the mouth lining sometimes. Be that as it may, this usually needs no treatment. Should oral lichen planus require treatment, it is done by applying a corticosteroid cream on the affected part. Some parts may require other forms of treatment like immunosuppressants. It is in rare cases that you may have to take a corticosteroid or other similar tablets.

Adhere to your dentist’s advice. This may involve abstaining from things that worsen the condition like hot or spicy foods and other things you are allergic to. You may also be referred to a doctor or a specialist for more diagnosis.

Come to the Harley Street Dentist for help and advice on oral lichen planus.

Can oral lichen planus disappear?

It usually never goes away, and people infected always have white patches on the lining of their mouth. The good news is that treatment can reduce the pain, but it is usually impossible to foretell when the pain will start.

Does oral lichen planus have complications?

Cancer of the mouth may be connected to oral lichen planus. About 1 to 3 percent of people who have had lichen planus for a long time may develop mouth cancer. The connection between cancer and oral lichen planus is not clear. However, just a few patients with oral lichen planus develop mouth cancer.

Prevention of oral lichen planus

The cause of lichen planus is unknown, and as such, it is not possible to stop its occurrence. But to avoid this disease, you can do the following:

  • Avoid smoking
  • Do not consume so much alcohol
  • Eat a lot of vegetables and fresh fruits

 

As a general rule, you should learn to clean and brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. You should go for routine dental checkups so that if there are changes in the lining of your mouth, your dentist can identify and treat it. Having a good oral health is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Seek help at the Harley Street Dentist today for your oral concerns.

Do you need more help?

Our dentists at the Harley Street Dentist provide useful information and treatment of oral lichen planus. See them if you have this disease. You can email us at [email protected] or call 020 71830903.

We have been helping a lot of patients achieve great oral health. Don’t be left out. Our clinic is open on weekdays. Feel free to visit us anytime. Our dentists are understanding and friendly; you can even be given confidential treatment. All you have to do is book an appointment with us today.

At the Harley Street Dentist, your oral health is our priority, and we have what it takes to get you treated. We will be glad to help you. Do visit us soon.

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