Leukoplakia

Symptoms

• White, non-removable patches in the mouth, on the tongue, or gums
• Sometimes a rough or thickened texture of the lesions
• Usually painless, but may become sensitive or irritated
• In some cases, cracks or slight pain when eating or drinking

Cause

• Chronic irritation from smoking or chewing tobacco
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Poorly fitting dentures or sharp tooth edges
• Chronic inflammation in the mouth
• Prolonged sun exposure (especially on the lips)
• Possible link to the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Diagnosis

• Physical examination of the mouth by a doctor or dentist
• A biopsy may be taken to rule out other conditions, such as lichen planus or oral cancer
• In some cases, additional tests such as an HPV test

Treatment

• Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption to prevent further irritation
• Removing mechanical irritants, such as ill-fitting dentures or sharp tooth edges
• Regular check-ups with a dentist or doctor to monitor lesion changes
• In some cases, laser or cryotherapy treatment may be used to remove persistent patches
• If there is a high risk of malignant transformation, surgical removal may be necessary

Self-care Tips

• Avoid tobacco and alcohol to prevent further irritation
• Maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups
• Use a soft toothbrush to minimize irritation
• Drink plenty of water and avoid extremely hot or spicy foods if the patches are sensitive
• Consult a doctor or dentist if new or changing white patches appear in the mouth