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Oral Lichen Planus: How do you cope with it?
I have been diagnosed with oral lichen planus for over 12 years. Originally it was mild and able to control with Duke’s Mouthwash. In last 5 months have had two major flareups with considerable pain. My condition was managed by my general dentist. I now feel I need someone who specializes in OLP, but have had no luck finding anyone. I live in the Columbia, MD area which is near Baltimore. Does anyone know an OLP specialist in my area?
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I want to share that I recently started using Crest 3D White Deep Stain Remover toothpaste and it healed a lichen planus outbreak I was having and had kept my gums and tongue clear for about a month now. All other toothpastes (including Sensodyne) have only irritated it. Don't know why this is happening but wanted to pass it on (joined this site to do so). My only other tip is to brush with an Oral B electric toothbrush and to go just a little bit under the gums when brushing the teeth.
Please see my comment @ginala
I have OLP too. Recently it moved from the back of my mouth to the front, and it scares me, i do not to lose my teeth.
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3 ReactionsI have to try that toothpaste, Crest 3D White Deep Stain Remover. I want to try anything, I just want it gone. I had gastrointestinal issues due to bacteria C Difficile and it triggered my OLP really bad. I have had it off & on a few years now, but never this bad.
Hi @diana70
Hope you’re doing well. I’m curious if you ever found any specialists in your area? I am in MD as well and have been dealing with both oral and vulvar issues since Nov 2024 that I suspect could be lichen planus. I have an appt with a dermatologist in October to hopefully get a biopsy done but the waiting is excruciating, especially for something so scary. Very surprised Hopkins doesn’t seem to have anything in this area??
Thank you!
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1 ReactionHi atkint1,
My OLP calmed down considerably so I did not continue in my search. I did find that oral surgeons also treat OLP. The one that I contacted indicated that there is an expert that he sends patients when his treatments are not sufficient. I suspect Hopkins does have doctors treating OLP but referral is done through other physicians. I think your dermatologist will be able to refer you to someone if her treatment is not enough. I found Canker-X mouth sore gel helped with the pain of my OLP. Good luck!
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1 ReactionThank you for the reply @diana70. Glad you are doing better!
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1 Reaction@diana70 I'm wondering, also, if you have found someone. If not, you could try going to an established dental school at a university near you. That is what I did for a diagnosis and treatment. I saw an oral surgeon there who had a lot of nowledge about OLP.
My Dr prescribes oral Lidocaine 2% it help numb it
Yes the lidocaine numbs it but then it's not advisable to eat or you'll bite your tongue or choke. The only thing that helped me when I had terrible erosions, right? I was using clobetasol gel which generally is not suggested for use orally, but it was prescribed by my dermatologist and it has helped tremendously.