Treatment of Leukoplakia

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The aim of treatment is to remove the leukoplakia. In order to do this the source of the irritation which has caused it must be removed, be that rough tooth or filling or the use of tobacco. If habitual cheek chewing has caused the problem it will be necessary to break the habit.

Sometimes your dentist may decide to remove the lesion surgically. Cryosurgery and laser removal are also sometimes used. Cryosurgery is when tissue is removed by freezing, rather than cutting, it out. It is not painful and can often be done without anaesthetic.

Although it is usually harmless, around 3% of cases of leukoplakia become cancerous over a period of 10 years. For this reason any patches of leukoplakia should be regularly reviewed by your dentist.

If the base or the leukoplakia is red, or if the area becomes ulcerated or nodular there is a higher chance of mouth cancer developing. Leukoplakia on the floor of the mouth or under the tongue is particularly associated with mouth cancer.