My dentist said I have Lichen Planus. What is that?
We have usually seen white patches on the lining of your mouth (cheeks tongue on gums) Usually on both sides of your mouth. You may be totally unaware of them, but sometimes they can get sore and ulcerate and you may find it difficult eating hot or spicy foods. Oral lichen planus is more common in women than men and usually starts in middle age (whatever age that is!). We don’t know what causes it. It isn’t an infection, but may be an auto immune disease sometimes triggered by some medicines. Unless it is giving symptoms we don’t usually treat it, but if it is, then we usually use oral steroids. It doesn’t usually go away. But can be very ‘quiet’ for long periods of time. Very, very occasionally lichen planus can develop into mouth cancer. This is rare but if you have this condition it is important you see your dentist regularly to have it checked.
