Oral Lichen Planus: Causes and Symptoms
The family and cosmetic dentistry in Leesburg, VA explains that oral Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes in the mouth. Oral lichen planus is not a common oral health condition. It may resolve by itself, however, when left untreated, the condition may cause discomfort and compromise overall oral function. This blog seeks to help you understand the causes and symptoms of oral lichen planus to ensure you are well-prepared for the rare but serious oral health challenge.
What is Oral Lichen Planus (OLP)?
OL is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the mucous membranes. At times, oral lichen planus have different forms that include atrophic and erosive. Most cases of lichen planus cause an unpleasant sensation or outright pain, particularly during eating, drinking, or brushing the teeth.
Oral Lichen Planus Causes
OLP is an autoimmune disease, during which the immune system attacks normal body tissues. Still, the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, but certain factors like genetic predisposition; immune system dysfunction; allergic reactions to specific medications or dental materials may contribute to disease development.
Oral Lichen Planus Symptoms
Depending on the condition’s type and severity, patients may exhibit different oral lichen planus symptoms. The most common include LP formation of white, lacy patches or lesions on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or other oral tissues. Pain and discomfort while brushing teeth or eating or drinking are also common. Sometimes an unpleasant burning or stinging sensation in the mouth is a common symptom, as well as redness, swelling, or irritation of the oral tissues. If the lichen planus condition is severe, it may lead to difficulty swallowing or speaking. It is essential to mention that not all patients with OLP demonstrate symptoms. Therefore, some of them remain untreated with mild or asymptomatic forms of the condition.
Conclusion
In summary, lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mouth’s mucous membranes. Even though it is known to be a rare condition, its untreated form may result in discomfort and impair oral function. Therefore, when a person recognizes the sore, laced, and whitish patches and lesions inside their mouth, they must seek the dentist’s or oral health professional’s assistance. This is to evaluate and manage the white lesions, which are indicative of the potentially threatening oral lichen planus. And when the condition is diagnosed and managed timely, it is expected to impact the oral cavity negatively, affecting the quality of life.
