ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The role of dental plaque in gingival lesions caused by oral lichen planus has not been fully defined. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of oral healthcare motivation on clinical variables in patients with gingival oral lichen planus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oral lichen planus patients with symptomatic gingival lesions were randomized in control and intervention groups. The intervention group was instructed to effectively remove bacterial biofilm from dental surfaces, while controls did not receive any advice. The outcome variables were as follows: quality of life (OHIP-14), pain, plaque index and clinical severity of the disease (Escudier index). Outcome variables were assessed at 0, 4 and 20 weeks and analysed using an ANOVA model for factorial design. RESULTS: Data from 60 patients were collected. Regression analysis showed a significant positive trend of OHIP-14, plaque index and Escudier index in the intervention group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Pain did not prove significantly different (p = 0.408). CONCLUSIONS: Plaque control improved both OHIP-14 and gingival lesion clinical severity. Oral hygienists should be involved in the multidisciplinary management of patients affected by oral lichen planus with gingival lesions.
