Oral Lichen Planus food/drink triggers

It could be both. Some people can’t handle the acidity and some oranges and they will have issues.
But I’m thinking is most likely your mouthwash. The one you are using has a lot of chemicals, artificial coloring flavoring, and so on. Try to find one that has a few chemicals. Also, talk with your dentist. They may know of a mild mouthwash that works well.
I’ve had lichen For about 25 to 30 years, What I have found the fewer chemicals in the products I use the better I do. My toothpaste is Tom’s children’s strawberry, fluoride, free toothpaste. And a Mayo Clinic doctor recommended it to me, It helped a lot
I wish you the very best with your research and trying to figure it out

Hi Holly, I have OLP also. Your diet is basically just like mine. I'm a peskatarian too etc... I stopped drinking alcohol for a while as you did. I didn't experience any changes in my flare ups of OLP either. I also eat a lot of dairy like cheese and yogurt every day. I definitely don't think dairy is a trigger for me! I certainly don't eat or drink anything that stings or causes me immediate discomfort and that tends to vary depending on flare -ups.
I really think that emotional upset and stress is definitely my biggest trigger! It effects our immune system. OLP is an autoimmune disease where the immune system is attacking the mucus membranes in our body. The tissue in our mouth is mucus membrane tissue.
(I also have Esophageal Lichen Planus which is extremely rare.). My esophagus is always trying to close. Long story! LoL
Take care!❤️

@sadea0208 I definitely agree that stress is a major trigger! I know for sure that spicy foods and acidic foods/drinks are a trigger for me. I'm hoping to get to a place of almost total remission so I can try adding some things back in, for example real coffee.

I really appreciate everyone posting on these OLP threads. I have learned a lot and am adding some of the suggested treatments. Currently, I tried Dexamethasone rinse and spit but it burned my mouth. Now I am using Fluocinomide gel to the worst areas x2 weeks with a positive response. Most importantly, I don't put anything in my mouth that burns or stings. I use Cleure toothpaste and Closys ultrasensitive mouthwash. I am a swimmer and recently read to rinse my mouth out with Aloe Vera gel after doing my laps. I would be so sad if I am not able to swim. I'm adding high dose Curcumin, a probiotic lozenge with zinc, Vitamin D/K, and Omega 3 fish oil. I like the idea of trying to eat oranges...I have them on my shopping list! Anyway, I get the idea that it is sort of hit and miss...never give up is my motto! Onward....

@gary2026 mushrooms are my trigger, but they may not be yours. You may have some other trigger that you are not aware of … ?

I also use a children’s toothpaste - Sensodyne for kids, in mild mint - glad they have that flavour because I don’t like fruity flavours! 😀 the kids toothpaste doesn’t sting my mouth.

Well, Jiminy Crickets!
You all seem to be on top of your OLP. All the info I'm getting from this page is immensely helpful. I have been struggling thru brushing my teeth with regular toothpaste every day. Going to pick up some kids toothpaste today. I don't remember having a reaction to mushrooms however I will keep it in mind next time I have some.

Big question: I was diagnosed with Addison's dieses at 8 years of age and take Hydrocortisone/Corticosteroid every day. Anyone have experience with OLP and Addison's disease together?
Gary
Carry On and Still I Rise

@gary2026 order Super Teeth watermelon-flavored toothpaste. It is the best! I was puzzled by the suggestion about oranges, because Citrus is acidic and that is definitely one of my triggers. It seems triggers are different for everyone! Mushrooms don't phase me at all thank goodness.

@sadea0208 Hi Sadia, we share some fun in common. Also ELP here, OLP, started as BMS. Also have Lichen Sclerosis, which took decades of internal itching to be diagnosed) at Mayo- while i was there for my spine, I note some food similarities, (not a pescatarian- but no alcohol for me anymore. Even wine- except white, irritates my mouth. I have a keen sense of smell and pick up the scents of spices in even soups and sulfites in red wine, I was sch to have posterior and anterior cervical surgery, and only one great surgeon, admitted to me that my swallowing would never be the same. I get 2-3 dilations now a year, down from 4 at one time. On a PPI and Flovent HFA (alternative now) to coat my throat so used off-label per gastro. Def emo/stress a big factor- but some of those things are out of our control- deal as best as possible. I feel for you, and anyone with these issues.

@hem1959

You can add almonds to the list for me.