Major Causes Of Leukoplakia

September 27, 2023

Leukoplakia is a condition that commonly affects senior adults, though it can affect individuals of any age, wherein white or gray patches develop in the mouth as a result of chronic irritation of the mucous membranes. This patch can develop on the tongue, the inside of the cheek, or even on the roof of the mouth. Leukoplakia usually takes a few weeks to a few months to develop, and it can take on a thick, raised texture. Over time, it may harden, but should not be painful. However, it may be sensitive to touch as well as spicy foods and heat. These are some of the common causes of leukoplakia that can shed some light on why leukoplakia occurs.

Broken or Ill-Fitting Dentures

The reason why leukoplakia is so prominent among senior adults has partly to do with the fact many senior adults wear dentures. Dentures must be fitted properly and exactly to the patient's measurements because of the amount of time they spend inside the patient's mouth. If they are not, these broken or ill-fitting dentures can cause minute rubbing against the gums and inside of the mouth, which can eventually lead to a leukoplakia patch. Patients can better understand leukoplakia by seeing it as a similar response to a callous. The more irritation caused, the larger the response the body has. The patients can see for themselves if the denture is the true cause for their leukoplakia by observing if the patch lines up with the edge of an ill-fitted denture when the mouth is at rest. In these instances, the patient can remedy the situation by getting their dentures properly fitted.

Sharp Teeth Irritation

Sharp teeth irritation is not as common as other causes in terms of leading to leukoplakia. However, it should be noted as a possible cause in the event the patient does not have any of the other irritants present. Sharp teeth can cause friction in the mouth and, like the dentures, the response serves as a way of protecting the mouth against the irritation. For patients who experience irritation because of a sharp or jagged tooth, it can be easy to diagnose whether or not the leukoplakia was a result of sharp teeth by taking a look at where the leukoplakia patch is present. If the leukoplakia patch is found at a rough tooth edge, it can be assumed the leukoplakia is a direct result of the tooth. In these instances, patients should seek out an appointment with their dentist to determine how to remove the irritation.

Long-Term Alcohol Consumption

Long-term alcohol consumption is an irritant much in the same way smoking is an irritant. Over time, the presence of the substance in the mouth can cause a reaction in the form of the white, painless patches. This reaction is typically made worse if the patient continues with the behavior even after the leukoplakia has developed. Due to this, patients stop drinking as soon as they spot leukoplakia. Patients who engage in both smoking and drinking on a regular basis are at a higher risk than others for developing leukoplakia during their lives.

Tobacco

Smoking is, perhaps, the most common cause of leukoplakia. According to statistics, as many as three out of four individuals who use tobacco products will develop leukoplakia where they hold it against their cheek. This draws a connection between tobacco and leukoplakia. The increased use of it over time can put an individual at a greater risk of developing leukoplakia as well as oral cancer, and the leukoplakia itself may be a precursor to oral cancer. For those who smoke, chew, dip, and drink, this can make the risk even greater. If the patient partakes in smoking but also has a variety of other factors that may be irritating their mouth, the chance is far more likely the cause is related to their smoking than it is to other irritants. As such, patients should cease smoking when they see the leukoplakia patch and contact their dental professional for further instructions.

Epstein-Barr Virus

The Epstein-Barr Virus is not generally known for causing leukoplakia, but rather another disease much more readily recognized: mononucleosis. That said, this virus also actually causes a particular kind of leukoplakia called hairy leukoplakia. This type is typically found on the patient's tongue, and it is, as it states, fuzzy to the touch. The virus itself is very contagious and remains in the body once it is contracted, but stays dormant for the majority of the patient's life. Periodically, however, the patient may experience bouts of hairy leukoplakia. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other immune disorders are more prone to experience these outbreaks throughout their lives, and the leukoplakia may serve as a sign of HIV in these cases. The virus can be spread through saliva, blood, or semen, so it is possible to have received the virus from sharing a cup with someone, sex, or a blood transfusion. Should you see a hairy leukoplakia patch in your mouth, be sure to contact a medical professional as soon as possible to ensure you receive the proper care.

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