Health

Lichen or Not: Soft Tissues Have Issues

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Dr. Todd Britten


CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB)

“Soft tissue disorders of the mouth are seen in patients of all ages, races and health statuses,” Says Dr. Todd Britten, a periodontist in Clearwater, Florida. A periodontist is mainly concerned with diagnosing and treating soft tissue problems. One of the most common soft tissue conditions Dr. Britten says he sees in his patients is Oral Lichen Planus.

Oral Lichen Planus (or OLP), Britten explained, is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease which most commonly affects the skin and the mucous membrane lining or “skin” inside of the mouth, including cheeks and lips. OLP often looks like white lines crossing in a web-like patter on a red background, but can have a few different appearances, and some patients even develop a painful condition where ulcers are present (Ulcerative Lichen Planus).

OLP is caused by an inappropriate production of antibodies against a person’s own oral tissues. OLP affects 0.5-4% of the population globally, affecting women 2:1, often appearing in 50 and 60 year old post-menopausal women. It can affect quality of life, sleep, cause stress to those who have it, and usually persists for life. The lesions of Lichen Planus also have the potential to become malignant.

Dr. Britten says Oral Lichen Planus can be diagnosed in his practice with examination, and often requires a soft tissue biopsy. “Other soft tissue conditions in the mouth can present with similar symptoms, so proper diagnosis is key,” Says Dr. Britten. If confirmed to be Oral Lichen Planus, his patients are then treated accordingly, often with prescription gels or creams to be used in the mouth and Dr. Britten often recommends specialty oral rinses, toothpaste and dietary changes for this condition.

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten offers sedation dentistry. For more information, visit https://www.brittenperio.com

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