Major Causes Of Leukoplakia

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.