Oral Lichen Planus - the start

Hello all, I can pinpoint exactly what started my Oral LP.  I decided to start using Benecol Yorgurt to reduce my cholesterol level.  Within 10 mins my mouth felt hot.  After an hour it felt sore.  I decided not to take any more.  My hubby had the rest with no problems!   Within 3 days the roof of my mouth felt sore.  Then I got striata on my inner cheeks and tongue.  I though it was oral thrush.  The thrush treatment increased the problem overnight.    I started using salt gargles and anti-bac mouth washes.  They reduced the problem but it still hadn't cleared two weeks later.   I ate only soft foods as roof of mouth and cheeks were so sore.   Yesterday I went to my dentist who diagnosed Oral LP.   When I found the full information on OLP I was so shocked.   Now I am so pleased to have found this forum.  Pleased to see how active and helpful everyone is being.   I am learning a lot from the postings already.   Still feeling shocked and a little sad at the moment.  But hope to get my act together and make a start on controlling my problem rather it controlling me soon.

Mine started when I got a crown replaced. Not realizing that may be the cause, I had some veneer work done, it spread to that area also. It’s been almost a year. Now I deal with outbreaks. Dentist said he didn’t know the cause but a periodontist prescribed dexamethasone rinses for me and it’s working. I just use when I have an outbreak. 

Welcome Anne13482, so sorry you have to join us but love your positive attitude 👍🏼👍🏼

Welcome Anne....I agree with Julia, sorry you are suffering from this as we all are but stay positive. 

I got it after I took vaccination for Hepatitis C. Started off as one sore spot on tongue which I first thought was a nasty canker sore. Didn't go away for a month so visited the oral surgeon. He diagnosed it as OLP and prescribed steroids. I apply it when I have flare ups. My new normal is a very sensitive mouth. Can't eat spicy or foods with sharp edges like chips. Also, can't munch through out the day like I used to. I've noticed if I give my mouth a break from eating it stays better. Good luck to all of us.

Hi Molly,  thank you for the response.   You've given me food for thought!  The week before I started with OLP - or had that yogurt - I had had a crown done at the dentist too.....mmmm   Maybe that was the real catalyst and the yogurt just exascerbated the problem.  

Thank you, Julia.  I wasn't feeling all that positive until I found this support forum.

So it's thanks to you.

Hello Neena,  thank you too.   Still feel a bit sorry for myself but reading about others puts it into persective.

Hi Rita,  yes, good luck to everyone.  On a positive note.  My sister had OPL for 3 years and she got up one morning and it had just gone!  That was about 4 years ago.

Interesting! I suspect that it was my little bit of veneer work that started my OLP also. My dentist doesn't think so, but that is the only variable that I can come up so I'm convinced that's it. It started pretty severely but has lessened through the years. As for coping with it, I just try to remember in the grand scheme of illnesses, it could be a lot worse. I'm really glad I found this group!

That is interesting, Nancy.  I wonder how many more could pinpoint the connection..mmm

 

It seems  there are 3 of us now able to pinpoint a connection to dental work...Should we start a new thread tomorrow and ask if anyone else has this connection?

nancy, just mesg Mollyjr asking if we should perhaps investigate this dental connection further.

Perhaps put out a new thread and see if anyone else can make the same connection.

Wow, that is encouraging! I agree with Rita when I give my mouth a break, it's much better. Just looking at my gums in the morning (pink) to what they are like at the end of the day (red) proves this ~  

I am glad I’ve found this forum, I’ve been very confused after dental work was completed. I had noticed the out break, whiite and red spots on right side of tongue. I called my dentist, they sent me to a specialist in December, diagnosis was lichen planus. I have asked, the doctor if the mercury amalgam fillings has caused this condition. None of my doctors are aware of why this would have caused this outbreak. My mouth is still painful and the condition has seem to worsen. My thought is why not change the fillings to another kind of resin, has anyone tested doing that or does anyone know what actually can help? Thank you all for any response to help my confusion.

 It sure if fillings were the cause. I first noticed the first sore after getting a crown. Then I had some veneers put on and had sores around there. They come and go depending on what I eat. Usually acidic or very spicy foods. A dexamethasone rinse helps a lot. It was prescribed by my periodontist. Also rinsing with peppermint essential oil in water after eating these foods helps. 

Hi carolyn21942,  Well I had my last 2 mercury fillings removed and unfortunately still suffering from Olp in fact my mouth is on fire as I’m writing this. That being said my extreme night sweats went completely away after removal!👍🏼 I personally would have them removed by a skilled biological dentist who uses precautions to protect you and themselves. Mercury is a hazardous waste not to be played with your dentist should know that! Hope you get relief 👍🏼

Hi Molly,  I too think my problem started with having a crown fitted now.  I think the yogurt drink simply highlighted the problem 2 weeks afterwards.  Oh well!   Thanks for the advice re dexamethasone.  I will ask about it.    I did find a medical research site on line (just tried to find it again to attach the link but no luck)  It listed all the current 'treatments' for OLP and asked 1,500 sufferers to list in order the most effective.  The number one (62% of vote) was for salt + water (saline) mouthwashes.  Funnily enough I had already being doing these and did find them most helpful.     I do hope your problem clears up.  It sounds as if it is intermittent now???    Mine is just exactly the same but it is 'early' days and hopefully in a few weeks..............take care, Anne.

Hi Carolyn,   My sister had OLP for 3 years.  Eventually she had an allergy test for metal fillings at hospital.  She had a positive reaction. She had her metal fillings replaced with porcelain and one very filled tooth had to removed.   Over the next 3 weeks her condition improved each day.  Then....it went completely.  That was years ago and she has never had it since.   I am not saying it would work for you. 

However, like you I am now just waiting for my sore mouth to calm down a bit and will be having my metal fillings replaced.  Do you live in UK?   I am on the East Coast, UK.

Yes it is intermittent for now. Another note. When I first started using dexamethasone, I had to use it for times a day for four weeks. This resulted in a very very dry throat. Just a precautionary advice. However, now I just use it once or twice a day during an outbreak.