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Leukoplakia causes and treatment

Leukoplakia is a condition that involves white patches or spots on the inside of the mouth. It can be caused by chewing tobacco, heavy smoking, and alcohol use.

It’s the mouth's reaction to ongoing (chronic) irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Leukoplakia patches can also develop on the female genital area; however, the cause of this is unknown.

Leukoplakia patches can occur at any time in your life, but it is most common in senior adults.

"Hairy" leukoplakia of the mouth is an unusual form of leukoplakia (caused by the Epstein-Barr virus) that only happens in people who are infected with HIV, have AIDS, or AIDS-related complex. White, fuzzy patches show up on the tongue and sometimes elsewhere in the mouth.

Causes of leukoplakia include:

Irritation from rough teeth, fillings, or crowns, or ill-fitting dentures that rub against your cheek or gum

Chronic smoking, pipe smoking, or chewing tobacco

Chronic inflammation or irritation

Prolonged alcohol use

Sun exposure to the lips

Oral cancer (although rare)

HIV or AIDS.

Leukoplakia Treatment:

Treatment for leukoplakia, if needed, involves removing the source of irritation. For example, if leukoplakia is caused by a rough tooth or an irregular surface on a denture or a filling, the tooth will be smoothed and dental appliances repaired. If leukoplakia is caused by smoking, you’ll be encouraged to minimize or stop smoking or using other tobacco products.

Leukoplakia is usually harmless, and lesions usually clear in a few weeks or months after the source of irritation is removed. If eliminating the source of irritation is ineffective in reducing leukoplakia, the lesion may need to be surgically removed. The lesion can be removed either by your general dentist or by an oral surgeon.Hairy leukoplakia needs treatment with an antiviral medication.

Leukoplakia Prevention:

The best way to prevent leukoplakia is to avoid the things that may cause it. Try these lifestyle changes:

Stop smoking or using tobacco in other ways.

Limit your alcohol.

Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements may help.

(11/25/2020)
by Web MD

More Information: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-leukoplakia

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