Symptom-free cases will not require any treatment but should be reviewed by the dental surgeon or physician every six months to one year.
For symptomatic cases, much of the discomfort can often be reduced simply by avoiding triggering factors such as spicy food or certain toothpastes or mouthwashes, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Medications or dental fillings may need to be changed if these are suspected to be associated with the appearance of the disease. Change of medications would require approval from your physician.
Various medications have been used to treat oral lichen planus, the most common being a steroid paste/ointment applied directly onto the affected area(s) inside the mouth. Depending on the severity of the disease and its symptoms, steroid injections directly into the affected areas or oral steroid tablets may be necessary. Sometimes, an anti-fungal medication or mouthwash may also be prescribed.
Other less common medications used include vitamin A analogues, anti-malarials, immuno-suppressants like cyclosporine and aziathioprine.
Laser treatment to remove the affected area(s) can also be performed but the condition tends to recur. The treated area can sometimes become pigmented or darkened.
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the updates to your inbox
