Oral lichen planus and dental hygiene: a case report

Background: The presence of atrophic-erosive lesions among gingival tissues makes oral hygiene procedures difficult for several reasons. Plaque control and rigorous oral hygiene are a fundamental requisite for the treatment of any oromucosal disease. Case report: A patient suffering from a mixed atrophic-erosive form of oral lichen planus (OLP), with serious gingival involvement, was also treated with the topical application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% using gingival trays. The highest hygiene standards of both patient and trays were of fundamental importance. Discussion: The management of the patient suffering from gingival atrophic-erosive OLP requires the synergic treatment of both dentist and dental hygienist, whose contribution supports the corticosteroid and/or immunosuppressive treatment.