Leukoplakia is a condition that produces thickened, white patches on gums, inner cheeks, the tongue, and the bottom of the mouth. Because these patches can't simply be scraped off, seeing a dentist for treatment is your best bet. Here's a closer look at the condition and what to do if you have it.

What Causes Leukoplakia?

Dentists believe it's a chronic irritation linked to smoking, chewing, or dipping tobacco. Although these patches are usually benign, some might be an early indication of cancer if white areas have red lesions mixed in. 

Hairy leukoplakia patches will typically affect individuals with weakened immune systems and may be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which stays in the body for the rest of a person's life. When the immune system is weakened, the virus awakens and can cause patches to appear. 

The causes behind the hairy patches include long-term alcohol use, jagged or broken teeth causing abrasions on the tongue, or dentures that are broken or don’t fit properly. HIV/AIDS patients can be at a higher risk of developing hairy leukoplakia.

What Are the Symptoms?

The most obvious symptom is one or more white or gray patches that won’t go away when wiped or scraped. They're irregularly shaped, flat, and may feel thick and hard. Common sites include along the gums and inside the cheeks as well as underneath or on the tongue. They aren’t painful, but they should be looked at by a dentist since there's a possibility that they'll develop into oral cancer. 

Hairy leukoplakia, on the other hand, will look fuzzy and display folds and ridges on the sides of the tongue. Often mistaken for oral thrush, the difference is that thrush patches can be wiped away. For women, the patches may also appear in and around the genital area. 

How Can You Treat & Prevent It?

Avoiding tobacco and long-term alcohol use can prevent the condition. It often goes away on its own, but frequent visits to a dentist can help treat it early and assess the potential for cancer. Regular oral care can also prevent the development of patches since your mouth will be clean and less hospitable to the buildup of harmful substances. If you're susceptible to patches, avoid triggers like tobacco, but if your dentist determines that the irritation stems from a dental issue like jagged teeth or dentures, correcting the cause may be the only way to prevent the condition.

For patches that are biopsied and deemed cancerous, removal is necessary to slow the spread. Since hairy leukoplakias are typically not cancerous, antiviral medications or topical ointments with retinoic acid may be prescribed. You may also consider adding foods like spinach, carrots, and broccoli to your diet since the antioxidants and vitamins in these ingredients can reduce irritation. 

To start your journey to optimal oral health, turn to Elm Dental Care. Serving New Town and St. Charles, MO, the practice provides comprehensive oral care, including teeth whitening, tooth extractions, crowns, and implants. These compassionate dentists and their team also offer orthodontic solutions, such as braces, so your family’s needs are completely covered. Call (636) 916-4848 for an appointment or visit their website for special offers.