Home Remedies and Herbs for Leukoplakia (Oral)

Oral leukoplakia is a condition that causes white patches to form inside the mouth. These white patches form along the gums, inside the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth, and/or on the tongue.¹ Leukoplakia patches cannot be removed by attempting to scrape them off. These patches are typically painless and usually non-cancerous (benign). However, they can indicate early signs of cancer. Cancers can form on the bottom of the mouth next to leukoplakia patches. When white leukoplakia patches mix with red patches, it’s called speckled leukoplakia, a possible indicator of cancer.^{1 2}Another type of leukoplakia, called hairy leukoplakia, can form in people with weakened immune systems due to infections like HIV/AIDS.¹ Leukoplakia patches can sometimes be confused with a fungal infection, so it’s important to consult with a dentist or physician first to accurately diagnose this condition.²

What Causes Leukoplakia (Oral)?

Leukoplakia causes are unknown. However, researchers feel that it’s likely attributed to chronic irritation from tobacco or alcohol abuse. These harmful substances can weaken the the soft tissues inside the mouth, leading to increased susceptibility in developing leukoplakia.^{1 2} Irritation caused by tobacco can be due to either smoking or chewing tobacco products. When people who chew tobacco hold the product along their cheeks for an prolonged period of time, it can cause irritation in the skin inside the mouth, which may lead to developing leukoplakia.¹ Other possible leukoplakia causes include:²

• Ill-fitting dentures¹
• Sharp or jagged teeth scraping the tongue’s surface
• Vitamin A or B deficiency
• Oral candidiasis—a short-term fungal infection of the mouth
• Oral lichen planus—a rash that can occur inside the mouth

Leukoplakia (Oral) Symptoms

Leukoplakia symptoms typically appear along the gums, inside the cheeks and at the bottom of the mouth, and on the tongue. The primary leukoplakia symptoms include:^{1 2}

• White or gray patches
• Irregular patches with a flat surface
• Hardened or thickened areas around the patches
• Possible redness surrounding the area

Leukoplakia patches are not usually painful and can potentially go unnoticed. If the patches also have red lesions surrounding the area, then it may indicate a precancerous state.¹ While these patches cannot be removed by wiping them away, there are leukoplakia natural treatments that can help reduce the appearance of the patches.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukoplakia/home/ovc-20318371
2. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Leukoplakia/Pages/Introduction.aspx