01/30/2026
🚨 White patches in your mouth? Don’t ignore this 👀🦷
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissues inside the mouth 👄 It’s believed to be an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the oral tissues. While there’s no cure, it can be successfully managed with proper care and ongoing monitoring 💙
✨ What does oral lichen planus look like?
🤍 White, lacy or web-like patches on the cheeks or tongue
🔥 Red, swollen, or irritated areas
⚠️ Open sores that may feel sore, sensitive, or painful
🧠 Little-known fact
Only about 2% of people are affected by oral lichen planus, and it’s most common in women over 50👩⚕️ It’s not contagious and not cancerous, but it does need regular professional follow-up.
🦷 How we help at North Raleigh Periodontics & Implant Center
🔬 A biopsy is often used to confirm the diagnosis
🪥 Gentle oral care with mild toothpaste and soft-bristle brushes
💊 Treatment may include numbing gels, topical steroids, or medications as needed
🎯 The goal is to reduce discomfort and keep symptoms under control
⚠️ Why monitoring matters
While oral lichen planus itself isn’t harmful, it can increase the risk of other issues—so routine checkups at least twice a year are key ✔️
✨ The good news
With the right treatment, healthy habits 🥗🏃♀️, stress management 😌, and regular dental visits, oral lichen planus is very manageable.
📞 Noticing changes in your mouth?
Schedule a consultation with our team today—we’re here to help you protect your smile and your health 💙😁