The sores can burn and be very painful and worsen when you eat or drink things that are salty, spicy, and acidic (like orange juice or tomatoes) or alcohol. Crispy foods (sharp edges) and caffeine can also be problematic.
Medications may be factors as well, like painkillers, diabetes, and high blood pressure or malaria drugs.
Dental fillings or a reaction to metal could cause a reaction or other problems in your mouth like a rough crown or tooth. An injury to your mouth or an infection may trigger lichen planus. Also, if you have a habit of biting your tongue or cheeks, this can contribute to it as well. Many people with Hepatitis C virus get lichen planus so that could be a possible link too.
TREATING LICHEN PLANUS
If your symptoms are not severe and you feel only mild roughness in your mouth, you may not need any treatment at all. If you have sores or are in pain, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid cream or in more severe cases, he/she may prescribe steroid pills.
Severe oral lichen planus can increase your risk for:
- Severe pain
- Stress or anxiety
- Oral cancer
- Weight loss or a nutritional deficiency
- Depression
- Secondary oral yeast or fungal infections
- Scarring from abrasive lesions