If you have unusual spots in your mouth, your mind may immediately jump to oral cancer. Leukoplakia is a disease caused by surplus cell growth, resulting in the appearance of patches or lesions in the oral cavity, usually on the gums and cheeks. Although their appearance can vary, the sores are typically white or gray with thick, elevated edges and a hard surface. These lesions are common among smokers or people who use smokeless tobacco, but they can also be a sign of badly fitted dentures or habitually chewing on the cheek insides.
Although the patches are regarded as benign and not dangerous, certain instances of leukoplakia indicate initial signs of oral cancer forming next to the growths. If you suddenly discover these growths in your mouth, you should contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Other signs include gray patches that refuse to come off with scraping, irregular or flat-textured areas and the formation of red, elevated lesions (known as erythroplakia), which are usually signs of precancerous changes in the oral cavity.
If you think the signs are related to leukoplakia, pay your dentist or physician a visit. They may eventually refer you to an oral surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. Before going for the consultation, note down any query or concern you might have, such as the treatment procedure, treatment duration, medications or if surgery will be required.
It would also be helpful to note any behavioral changes made before the appearance of the patches, either related to your food or oral routine. If the changes are responsible for the condition, changing those habits may help relieve the symptoms, although it may not be entirely effective. The dentist will ask a series of questions to determine any behavior or changes that may be responsible for your condition. Be sure to provide accurate answers so that you can get effective treatment.
Leukoplakia diagnosis entails a thorough medical evaluation of the mouth to eliminate the potential causes. To rule out the early symptoms of oral cancer, the dentist may perform or refer you to an oral surgeon to perform the following:
Dentists recommend two forms of treatments for leukoplakia: Systemic and topical. For systemic medication, the dentist may prescribe an antiviral drug such as Valtrex or Famvir. Although the virus responsible for leukoplakia cannot be eradicated from the body, its spread and development can be stopped. Regular treatment will remove leukoplakia, but they may return without consistent treatment.
For topical medication, you may be given a podophyllum resin solution or retinoic acid. They are both applied topically on the patches, but as with systemic treatment, they must be used regularly to prevent the patches from forming.
You can prevent leukoplakia and your risk of oral cancer by avoiding tobacco use, excessive alcohol and improving your nutrition. If you discover signs of leukoplakia in your mouth, contact your dentist immediately.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yanasedds.com or call Yanase Dental Group at (310) 736-1063 for an appointment in our Torrance office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Cancer Screening.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes swelling where the gums meet the teeth. It is a serious condition that should be treated immediately once it has been identified to prevent worsening of the disease as well as possible tooth loss. Gingivitis can occur when plaque is not properly removed and starts to build…
Most people know about cavities, but what about gum disease? Both of these issues can affect your oral health, but people often overlook gum problems. There are varying levels of severity when it comes to this condition. Even minor bouts with it can cause pain and discomfort. If you do not treat it, you could…
Gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases in the modern world. According to the CDC, more than 47 percent of American adults have gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria growing below the gum line. This results in the gums being pulled away from the root of the teeth. If left…
Practicing preventive dentistry at home allows you to reap many benefits for your general health. Brushing and flossing every day is a basic way of keeping your mouth in good shape. Having healthy teeth and gums helps support your whole body’s health. If you want to find out why good everyday dental hygiene is important…
For tooth loss, going to a prosthodontist is a good choice for finding the right solution. Living with missing teeth can have negative effects. One may struggle with oral health issues and cosmetic concerns. The good news is there are effective treatments to restore your smile and the function of your mouth. Prosthodontists have the…
Considering undergoing professional teeth whitening treatment services? Even though there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products to choose from nowadays, these generic options are often hit and miss. It is often very difficult for someone to know which generic whitening option might work for them, making it both easier and safer to choose in-office treatment. Choosing…