What is Oral Lichen Planus? Plus, a Customer's Testimonial on SprinJen

Living With Oral Lichen Planus: What It Is—and Why Some May Find Relief with SprinJene’s Natural Toothpaste

If you’ve ever dealt with chronic oral irritation, you know how frustrating and painful it can be to do something as simple as eat, speak, or brush your teeth. One lesser-known condition that causes this kind of discomfort is oral lichen planus.

At SprinJene, we’ve had the privilege of hearing from customers who struggled with this condition—and finally found relief with our natural toothpaste. While we can’t claim to cure oral lichen planus, our formula was developed specifically to help reduce inflammation and support oral wellness in even the most sensitive mouths.

Here is one customer's experience:

Transcription:

"Hi. My name is Sheryl, and I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you why I'm such a fan of SprinJene products. About 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with Oral Lichen Planus. I had never heard of it before. It's apparently associated with with autoimmune disorders. It attacked my mouth and my gums. It's painful, it's embarrassing, because you could plainly see that there was an issue. My gums were like tissue paper. Doctors, dentists, and even an oral surgeon told me there was no cure, and the flare ups sometimes lasted for months. So I began trying something different that could help me with the symptoms. I knew that some toothpaste made the situation worse, but nothing seemed to make it better until I found SprinJene. I use the black seed oil. That's the type that I use that works for me. Actually, I didn't even realize it was the toothpaste that was making my symptoms better until I went on a trip and took my travel bag with another type of toothpaste with me, my symptoms came back almost immediately. I don't know what SprinJene uses in their toothpaste [that helps the symptoms] or what they don't use, but I know that it makes all the difference for me. The Lichen Planus is just no longer an issue. I'm just grateful that I found something that works, and I'm grateful to SprinJene for creating something that solves the problem for people like me. Thank you!"

So how does it work?

In this article, we’ll explain:

What oral lichen planus is
What causes it and what symptoms to look for
Standard treatment approaches
How inflammation plays a central role in the condition
Why SprinJene’s patented black seed oil and zinc formula may offer gentle support
What the science says about our ingredients
A clear disclaimer on what our product is and isn’t

What Is Oral Lichen Planus?

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the inside of the mouth. It’s part of a group of autoimmune skin disorders and typically appears as:

White, lacy patches on the inner cheeks
Red, swollen tissues
Painful sores, often on the tongue or gums
Burning sensations, especially when eating spicy or acidic foods
Dryness, irritation, or sensitivity to toothpaste and mouthwash

Although not contagious or cancerous, oral lichen planus can persist for months or years—and for many, it’s difficult to manage.

What Causes Oral Lichen Planus?

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but oral lichen planus is believed to result from an autoimmune reaction, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the mouth.

Several possible triggers or risk factors include:

Autoimmune diseases (like lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis)
Stress
Reactions to certain dental materials or medications
Underlying viral infections (e.g., hepatitis C)
Hormonal imbalances

Because it’s an inflammatory and immune-related condition, managing inflammation is key to symptom relief.

How Is Oral Lichen Planus Treated?

There is currently no cure for oral lichen planus, but the goal is to reduce inflammation, prevent secondary infections, and minimize pain.

Most dentists or dermatologists will recommend:

Topical corticosteroids or immune-modulating medications
Gentle oral hygiene routines with non-irritating products
Avoiding triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, or SLS-based toothpaste
Stress management and immune support

This is where many people start searching for a toothpaste that won’t worsen their symptoms—and in some cases, may help them feel better.

Why Inflammation Is the Core Issue

All forms of lichen planus involve chronic inflammation, where immune cells target your body’s own skin or mucous membranes.

In the mouth, this leads to:

T-cell infiltration of the epithelial lining
Cell death (apoptosis) in mucosal tissues
Increased cytokines like TNF-α and interleukins
Ongoing redness, swelling, and ulceration

Traditional oral care products often contain harsh ingredients (like SLS, alcohol, or synthetic preservatives) that can worsen this inflammation—causing burning or flare-ups.

To soothe oral tissues, ingredients must be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and microbiome-friendly.

Why SprinJene May Help: The Role of Black Seed Oil + Zinc

SprinJene’s patented toothpaste formula is a clinically-informed blend of black seed oil and zinc in a carefully studied ratio that:

✅ Kills harmful bacteria
✅ Preserves beneficial bacteria
✅ Reduces inflammation
✅ Supports healing of oral tissues

It’s this dual action—antibacterial and anti-inflammatory—that makes it a promising option for people with chronic inflammatory oral conditions like lichen planus.

Black Seed Oil: A Natural Inflammation Fighter

Extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, black seed oil has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Middle Eastern, and African traditional medicine. Its key active compound is thymoquinone, which has been widely studied for its medicinal properties.

Here’s what research tells us:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Action

Thymoquinone inhibits multiple inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, COX, prostaglandins), reducing markers like TNF-α and IL-6—both associated with oral lichen planus.

In simpler terms: it helps stop the cycle of immune overreaction that leads to redness, swelling, and pain.

2. Antioxidant Benefits

Black seed oil scavenges free radicals that damage cells and tissue, supporting regeneration and calming irritated gums and mucosa.

3. Antimicrobial Properties

It’s effective against bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and even fungal strains like Candida albicans—without disturbing good bacteria that protect your mouth.

Zinc: The Essential Mineral for Gum and Immune Health

Zinc is already a common ingredient in oral care—but what makes it powerful in our formula is how it synergizes with black seed oil to enhance both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action.

Here’s how zinc helps:

Kills odor-causing and pathogenic bacteria
Deactivates sulfur compounds that cause bad breath
Supports mucosal immunity and cell repair
Reduces oxidative stress in inflamed tissues

Research also shows that zinc deficiency is linked to higher rates of oral mucosal disorders and slower healing of oral wounds. Zinc is a key micronutrient involved in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus, where it plays a role in epithelial growth, wound healing, and mitigating oxidative stress, according to a 2025 clinical study by Aboushousha et al. (BMC Oral Health, 25, 872).

The Innovation Behind the Patent

Our founder, Dr. Sayed Ibrahim, conducted a detailed scientific study on how black seed oil and zinc interact in specific proportions. The goal was to develop a formula that:

Actively targets the bacteria that cause inflammation, plaque, and sensitivity
Preserves beneficial bacteria that support oral and immune health
Soothes oral tissues, especially for people with sensitive mouths or inflammatory conditions

This formula is patented because it’s not just a list of trendy ingredients—it’s a scientifically validated ratio that balances microbiome health and inflammation control.

A Real Customer Story: “My Oral Lichen Planus Went Away”

We were recently contacted by a customer, Sheryl, who had struggled with oral lichen planus for years. She had left this note on her most recent order:

"I have Oral Lichen Planus, and this toothpaste is the only thing that keeps it under control. Thank you!"

While we love hearing stories like this, we want to be clear and responsible:

SprinJene is not a medically approved treatment for Oral Lichen Planus.
There are no clinical trials to prove that our toothpaste cures or treats this condition.

However, since OLP is an inflammatory disorder, and our patented formula is designed to reduce inflammation and support oral healing, it may offer comfort for those with sensitive mouths.

Sheryl uses our Natural Toothpaste with Cavity Protection.

The same formula is also available in a Fluoride-Free version.

Why Traditional Toothpastes Fall Short

Many commercial toothpastes—both conventional and “natural”—can irritate people with oral lichen planus due to:

SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate): a harsh foaming agent linked to tissue irritation
Artificial preservatives and sweeteners: including saccharin, parabens, or benzoates
Strong essential oils or alcohol: which can cause burning in sensitive mouths

SprinJene is free from all of the above.

Instead, our formulas are:

🧪 Fluoride-free or containing a safe dose of fluoride for cavity protection, depending on your needs
🌿 Powered by black seed oil and zinc
🚫 Free from SLS, saccharin, alcohol, preservatives, and animal byproducts
✅ Tested for safety and effectiveness

Mouth-Body Connection: Why Oral Inflammation Matters

When left untreated, oral inflammation can lead to more than just discomfort:

Gum recession and tooth loss
Oral infections
Difficulty eating or speaking
Increased risk of systemic inflammation (linked to heart disease, diabetes, etc.)

That’s why it’s important to manage oral conditions holistically—using products that nurture the entire mouth, not just clean it.

Which SprinJene Products Contain This Formula?

All SprinJene products contain our patented formula of black seed oil and zinc.
Our simplest formulas are our 3.5oz SprinJene Natural Line, with the following options:

Depending on your needs, if you have oral sensitivities these toothpastes may be a great fit for you as they contain fewer ingredients, and are free of SLS and other harsh chemicals.

Final Thoughts: Relief May Begin With What You Brush With

While there’s no cure for oral lichen planus, the right oral care routine can make a world of difference. For those who’ve struggled with irritation, burning, or inflammation, SprinJene offers a gentle, science-backed alternative.

We’re honored to hear from customers who’ve found relief using our patented black seed oil and zinc formula—and we’ll continue to innovate in ways that respect both nature and science.

Disclaimer:
SprinJene products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Customer experiences shared in this article are anecdotal and do not substitute medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of oral lichen planus, consult your healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan.

Citations:

Aboushousha, A., Kamal, Y. & Ali, S. Supplementary zinc and vitamin D in management of symptomatic oral lichen planus: a three-arm randomized clinical trial. BMC Oral Health 25, 872 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-06173-1