Life-style survey of patients with oral lichenoid reactions

The occurrence of different life-style patterns, including marital status, educational level, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, and frequency of physical activity, in patients with oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) in total or partial contact with amalgam fillings was examined. When compared with an age- and sex-matched control group, the daily intake of carbohydrates, fibers, and iron was statistically significantly higher in the OLR patients. Regarding marital status, there was a statistically significant difference between the OLR patients and the control subjects, the former group containing more people who were divorced or whose spouse had died. The frequency of physical activity was also statistically significantly higher in the OLR patients than in the control group. Hypothetical mechanisms that may lie behind the results obtained are discussed.