What are the symptoms of leukoplakia?
People with leukoplakia may notice:
- White or gray patches in the mouth
- Patches that feel raised or thick
- Patches that may be painful
- Difficulty in moving the tongue
- Sometimes, patches may appear on the gums or inside the cheeks
What causes leukoplakia?
The exact cause of leukoplakia is not always clear, but it can be linked to:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Heavy alcohol use
- Oral irritation from rough teeth or dental work
- Chronic infections
How common is leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia is fairly common, especially among older adults and those who use tobacco. It can occur in both men and women.
Who is more likely to get leukoplakia?
Certain factors can increase the chance of developing leukoplakia, including:
- Being a smoker or using tobacco
- Drinking alcohol heavily
- Having poor oral hygiene
- Being older in age
How can I treat leukoplakia?
Treatment for leukoplakia often focuses on the following:
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use
- Improving oral hygiene
- Sometimes, patches may need to be removed by a dentist or doctor
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How to live with leukoplakia?
If you have leukoplakia, it’s important to keep up with regular dental check-ups. This will help monitor the patches and ensure they are not changing. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco can also help.
Final thoughts
Leukoplakia causes white patches in the mouth that should be checked by a healthcare provider. If you’re worried about any changes in your mouth, speak to your GP or dentist for advice.
