Oral Lichen Planus is an inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the mouth.  It often appears as a lacy network of white patches, sometimes with sore and lesions on tongue and gums.  Oral Lichen Planus is an autoimmune condition and it can be induced by certain conditions: certain drugs, allergens in dental materials or toothpaste, trauma, viral infection or stress. Although it is not contagious, oral lichen planus can produce painful sores that make eating difficult. Unfortunately, oral lichen  planus is an incurable, chronic condition.  Natural remedies can help to manage symptoms.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene will keep the condition under control and help to prevent infection.  Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.  Visit your hygienist/dentist at least twice a year for thorough cleaning and have your dentist monitor your oral lichen planus condition, as it is often a precursor to oral cancer.

Check Your Diet

Spicy and acidic foods can cause irritations or worsen the symptoms.  If you notice that your mouth is irritated whenever you eat these categories of food, take them off your diet. Instead, eat probiotic-rich yogurt that not only soothes the mouth but has bacteria-fighting acidipholus. Drinking soothing tea made from mint, thyme and majoram a they are rich in antioxidants and therefore bacteria-busting in nature.

On the whole, drink plenty of water and fluids to flush out toxins and reduce inflammation flare-ups.

Lifestyle Changes

Stress, anxiety and depression can trigger oral lichen planus. Take time to de-stress through relaxation activities, exercises or meditation.  Make lifestyle changes to reduce stress and anxiety. For example, reduce workload or learn to prioritize your needs, so you are not over-extending yourself. If depression is an issue, seek medical help.

Aloe Vera

A controlled trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology confirmed empirical findings that aloe vera can effectively treat mouth ulcers associated with oral lichen planus.  Patients who were given aloe vera topical applications reported 50%   improvement in symptoms and 33% of them reported that burning pain in the mouth disappeared. Sciencedaily.com also supports the use of aloe vera to alleviate the discomfort   associated with oral lichen planus. Aloe vera contains anthraquinones, chemical compounds that promote healing and arrest pain because of their anti-inflammatory nature.

What can you learn from these scientific findings?  You can drink aloe vera drink, apply aloe vera gel and use aloe vera toothpaste to effectively manage oral lichen planus.

Bee Propolis

Bees use propolis, a natural resin found in young tree buds; remetabolize it with their own nectar secretions to make a sealant to build their hives. Bee propolis (the name of the sealant) contains antimicrobial properties that are effective in killing bacteria.  According to naturalnews.com., extracts of propolis can inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, the cause of deadly infections in hospital.

Bee propolis is not only effective in fighting cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and reducing plaque buildup and bad breath, but it can also kill bacteria and bring relief to oral lichen planus sufferers.

Related Interesting Reads:

Healthy Gums is Possible: http://hubpages.com/hub/Healthy-Gums-Is-Possible

Oral Lichen Propolis : http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/oral-lichen-planus/DS00784