Diagnosing Oral Lichen Planus (OLP)

Yes, I have 3 of the 4 of the lichens. So it was a no-brainer that I had oral like plants. I know when I got it I was at the dentist office and they were going to fix a filling As soon as I got the shot, I felt it and that is where the Lyon started
I wish you the best. My only advice is use less chemicals as they seem to cause problems.. I use children’s toothpaste and so on.

@jbranch I was diagnosed without a biopsy but every OLP case is different and in your case if the oral surgeon wants to do a biopsy I would go for it. That biopsy will give an unmistakable diagnosis.

In the meantime, I second @minnesota10’s suggestion to use a kids’ toothpaste. I use it too because regular toothpaste burns my mouth. Sensodyne kids’ toothpaste is available at Dollar Tree for less than anywhere else that I know. I don’t like the fruit flavours so I use the Gentle Mint.

I too was diagnosed with OLP without biopsies done in my mouth. I also have three of the four LP conditions, OLP, LP on my skin and ELP-Esophageal Lichen Planus which is extremely rare.
I also avoid hot minty things, spices, Mexican food which I loved and most citrus foods including avocado at times and drinks. My OLP can also effect my lips. From my experience having OLP and LP on my skin, it tends to flare up and down. Irritants often cause my OLP to flare up. In addition I have found that stress and emotional upset can effect my LP conditions.
Lichen Planus conditions are from an autoimmune disease. The immune system is attacking the mucus membranes in the body. I hope this info is helpful to you.
Take care ❤️

Has anyone had testing for allergies to reduce the occurrence of OLP? I friend found that sensitivity to specific food groups resulted in more frequent breakouts. We both avoid spicy foods, tomato products etc. But she now avoids wheat and soy products.

@rashida Biotene Toothpaste and mouthwash are good to use for OLP as well. Not too minty but does the job.

@lkirnbauer thanks - good to know!

With oral lichen planus, I get recurring blisters in my mouth, they tend to pop up in the same place in the front of where my tonsils used to be. I'm on 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine, daily for ''maintenance''. Does anyone have recurring blisters too? I'm strict on my diet, no oxalates, spicey, acidic, etc. , and I can't increase my hydroxychloroquine dosage due to kidney issues.

Has this been biopsied?

@glongdmd yes, and I'm keeping a close eye on tissue changes to prevent cancer, I have a derm watching it too

Below is what I just posted on another discussion. Stress is a big factor with my OLP,
I do not know if OLP is cancerous. My ENT did a biopsy on my mouth sore when it was on the upper right inside by cheek. However, he didn't offer any solutions or take how painful it was serious. I get a lot of Squamous cell carcinomas. When I told my Skin Cancer/Dermatologist about the OLP she took it serious. She is a PA and along with another Doctor in the practice has been working with me for over 4 years. They ran allergy tests to see if it was my dental fillings and implants that caused the OLP but they came back negative. They are the best because they care. We have tried several medicines and some work for a while then they quit. Right now I am taking Hydroxychlorquine and Sotyktu and usint the Tacrolimus cream. I use clobetasol when I have the bad flares. Unfortunately, both the Hydroxychlorquine and Sotyktu are slow acting and I have only been taking them for 3 months. It can take another 3 to 6 months to get into my system.
The problem is finding doctors that will listen and care. On these group chats, I am amazed at the variety of doctors than help patients. The sad thing is, how few doctors take it seriously. I guess because OLP is not very common like other illnesses. I never would have thought my Skin Cancer/Dermatologist would have been the ones to help. Some people have found Oral Surgeons and ENTs.
I hope you find relief.