Prevalence of oral lichen planus among north Indian population: a descriptive epidemiological study

Abstract

The aim: oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the oral mucous membrane. It can present in various clinical forms: reticular, papular, plaque-like, atrophic, erosive and bullous. Though the exact etiology is not certain - autoimmunity, trauma, stress, and habits are considered as etiological factors. Oral lichen planus has been classified as a premalignant lesion. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of oral lichen planus in a sample of north Indian population. Materials and methods: the present study was conducted in the outpatient department of Dentistry, GMC Badaun. The parameters recorded were age, gender and site affected. The data was collected and analysed. Results: a total of 6263 patients reported to the outpatient department of dentistry out of which 43 patients were diagnosed with oral lichen planus. The overall prevalence of oral lichen planus was found to be 0.69 %. The mean age of disease presentation was 37.5 years. A higher prevalence of oral lichen planus was reported in females compared to males with a ratio of 1:1.15. Most affected site was found to be buccal mucosa bilaterally (58.14 %). Conclusion: the present study estimated the overall prevalence of oral lichen planus as well as its distribution according to age, gender and site in north Indian population. This could contribute to the precise assessment of the disease for better policy making for better treatment and management of oral lichen planus.