How Is Leukoplakia Treated

If changes in life habits do not resolve the leukoplakia, your dentist may choose to remove the lesions with a scalpel, a laser, or by freezing the effected areas with a cryoprobe. While experiments have been conducted with the topical use of retinoid creams (similar to those used to treat acne) issues with side effects have not been satisfactorily resolved. Some people with leukoplakia have seen a resolution of the issue by taking the anti-oxidant beta-carotene found in Vitamin A.

For hairy leukoplakia systemic medications like valacyclovir or famciclovir, used to treat Epstein-Barr, may clear up the lesions but unfortunately they will most likely return when the drugs are discontinued. Topical solutions like a podophyllum resin solution and tretinoin can heal leukoplakia patches and hairy leukoplakia but have a tendency to affect the patient's sense of taste and again, the patches return when the treatment is discontinued.

When Should I See The Dentist?

Any time you see changes to the tissues of the mouth you should monitor the condition carefully. If you see or feel lumps, white patches, or red or dark patches that have not disappeared in a week, see your dentist. Most oral lesions, like simple blisters, or even an outbreak of the thrush, can either be treated easily or disappear on their own. But persistent lesions should be checked out, especially if you smoke and drink alcoholic beverages routinely.

Do not allow lesions in the mouth to go unexamined by a health care professional. From all the information on leukoplakia available, the condition is related to lifestyle in almost all cases. Hairy leukoplakia, on the other hand, may be caused by a more serious underlying immune system disorder.

What Will My Dentist Do?

Normally your dentist will perform a visual examination of the white patches in the mouth or the fuzzy manifestation of hairy leukoplakia on the tongue. Other conditions will be ruled out and most likely a biopsy will be taken of one of the patches. This involves a simple scraping with no need for anesthesia. If the lab report shows no irregular cell growth you at least have the comfort of knowing that what you are seeing is not an oral cancer.

Can I Make Changes That Will Help?

The best way to treat and to prevent leukoplakia is to stop smoking or never to start in the first place. If you drink alcohol, do so infrequently and in moderation. Since larger health issues are plainly linked to the use of tobacco and to the abuse of alcohol, this advice speaks not just to a resolution of leukoplakia but to maintaining good health overall.

If you have dental appliances like dentures, maintain them properly and ensure that they are well fitted to your mouth. Visit a dentist regularly so that no rough patches develop on your natural teeth. A diet rich in beta-carotenes found in dark yellow, orange, and green fruits and vegetables is also an excellent preventative. Carrots, squash, pumpkins, spinach, and cantaloupe are all rich in beta-carotenes.