Lichen Planus

Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that affects mucosal tissue inside your mouth.

Lacy (reticular) form of Oral Lichen Planus

Appearance

• Lacy, web-like white threads of raised tissue
• Red, swollen, tender patches

Located

• Inside of the cheeks, most commonly
• Gums
• Tongue
• Lips
• Throat

Cause

The cause of lichen planus is not completely understood, but genetics and immunity may be involved.  Some resources believe it an autoimmune disorder, but more research is needed. However, certain diseases, medical conditions or other factors may act as triggers of the inflammatory disorder in some people.

Complicating Factors

• Allergy-Causing agents such as foods, dental materials, or other substances
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen
• Certain medications for heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis
• Tobacco products
• Alcohol
• Rough dental work
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Poor oral habits, such as biting the lip or cheeks
• Build up of dental plaque and tartar
• Stress

Treatment

Oral lichen planus is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage. Treatment varies from patient to patient. Most frequently topical ointments, some steroidal, are prescribed to manage symptoms.

Sip On This

Soda drinkers, Beware!

The sugar and acid found in many sodas can be very damaging to the teeth. The sticky sugars break down into acids. Phosphoric and citric acids contribute to the acidity of sodas also, meaning diet sodas can be hazardous as well.

Saliva helps to neutralize acids and naturally cleanse our teeth, making water a better choice than a soda. The pH in our mouth is normally 6.2-7.0. At a pH of 5.2-5.5 or below, which is more acidic, the acids begin to soften and weaken the enamel. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes. It starts over again with each sip.

Here are a few examples of how some popular drinks compare:

For further comparisons on your favorite beverages, click here or

visit Sip All Day Get Decay.

What's a six pack a day soda fiend to do?

Whether you drink one or six:

• Dont sip - It's better to slam it down and get the acid attack over or better yet, drink soda with a full meal...and don't supersize it!
• If you drink soda by itself, chew sugarless gum afterward to increase your saliva flow.
• And always Drink More Water!

Hygiene Basics: Flossing 101

Cliché as it may be, a dental hygienist is always going to nag you about your flossing habits and technique.  This is because proper flossing removes plaque and food debris in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gum line and between your teeth.

Here are a few tips to make the arduous process of flossing a little bit easier.

First, start with about 15-18 inches of floss.

Then, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work between the teeth.  Anchoring the floss around the middle fingers allows our most dexterous fingers, the thumb and index finger, free to do most of the maneuvering.

Next, hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers and move it back and forth until it moves gently between your teeth.

The key to great flossing is curving the floss around the tooth, like a C, and make sure you slide beneath the gum line.

Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.

Finally, to remove the floss, use the same back and forth motion to move through the contact of the teeth, or you can simply let one finger free of the floss and pull the floss through the space.

Click here to view Colgate's educational video of proper flossing technique.