Oral Lichen Planus: What questions should I ask my doctor?

@becsbuddy
Hello, I've had OLP for going on 3 yrs. I'm the best I've been since suffering the worse of it shortly after being diagnosed by my dentist. To this day, I have no real reason for the outbreak. I understand it is an autoimmune disorder, and stress driven. Maybe, I'm stressed more than I realize, but not anymore than I've ever been. I'm retired since May 2020, and work part-time for an auto dealership that gets me out of the house. No real complaint there. So for this to have just came on me out of nowhere, is confusing. So, I got on here to see what others have to say and theirs and have picked up good pointers. Found a wonderful toothpaste that allows me to brush without all the burning and stinging I use to experience. It's Cleure. There's a mouth wash also. Then I read another person write that they were taking Zinc. So I stated taking Zinc daily. Told my dentist I was taking it and his response was, Zinc is healing. Fast forward to today, I used multiple rinses, with really no helping response. Right now, I have more issues with my gums than with the spider web lesions that 1st appeared all over the inside of my cheeks. From reading many of the stories from different ones, it's obvious OLP is as different from person to person as we are from each other. Wishing everyone on here successful healing.

@audreyv13dutch Here is Mayo Clinic’s information about lichen planus. There are several
Places in the write up that would make great questions! See which ones pertain to you.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-planus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351383
I wish you the best in caring for yourself. Did the periodontist prescribe and medications for you to take?

@rbush54 I had no idea I had a problem until the dentist showed me the spiderwebs and white spots in my mouth. I have not seen the Periodontist yet. I hope to find out more. The med I got from the my Dr. was Dexamethasone. I do not want that again. It gave me terrible leg cramps and split fingernail and ridges. This is quite overwhelming as I have always been healthy.

Before you go to this appointment, do some research. There are a number of medical sites, the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland clinic and so on that could give you some good advice or information.
Make a diary of the symptoms pain in your mouth, soreness changes that you might see.
Ask about medication’s different types of medication’s. Mostly, I had like gels or ointment that I put on the sore spots but right now I’m doing,
Ask about foods like spicy food foods or acidic foods can cause an issue.
Ask about mouthwash toothpaste if they have any recommend. I use children’s Tom’s toothpaste and it’s been heaven.
I hope this gives you some things to think about in your upcoming. I’ve had oral Lichen plan as well over 30 years, Even before they really understood what it was.
Educate yourself so you are comfortable when you see your doctor and I wish you the very best

I was told I had it too but after I changed toothpaste and mouthwash it went away. I avoid spicy foods and acidic drinks and foods like orange juice etc. Do research like one lady commented is good advice. Write down questions before your appointment.

I had my body covered in Lichen plants and the cure was injection of Dupixient. 3months of treatment finally stopped the worst after we tried steroids. I'm not sure if that will help the mouth.