Your Guide on Understanding Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition in which there is keratinization on the mucous tissue. Keratin is a protein present in the cells of the skin. The presence of keratin in mucous tissue is known as leukoplakia. To understand more about Leukoplakia, you can contact Morrisville 2 phase orthodontics specialist. 

Leukoplakia is of two types: 

1. Homogeneous: In this condition, there is a consistent formation of white patches on the wrinkled, smooth, or rough surface.
2. Heterogenous: An irregular shape of white or red color develops on the surface. The developed patch may be flat, have a protrusion, or be elevated.

Symptoms of Leukoplakia. 

1. The appearance of the skin becomes white or grey. 
2. The surface becomes irregular, having flat, elevated patches.
3. The surface becomes hard and rough. 
4. Development of the precancerous stage. 

What causes Leukoplakia? 

The causes of Leukoplakia are not well understood. However, some risk factors that can lead to Leukoplakia include: 

1. Tobacco: People who smoke and chew tobacco are at high risk of getting leukoplakia. The number of cigarettes smoked or tobacco chewed determines the appearance or spread of leukoplakia. In some people, there is keratosis development by chewing Tobacco that can disappear within one year after withdrawing the habit. 
2. Alcohol: People who drink and smoke are at risk of oral cancer. Studies show that there will be no direct relation between alcohol with Leukoplakia. However, it gives rise to some potential risk factors that can cause Leukoplakia. 
3. Bloodroot: This is a herbal extract that is present in some toothpaste or mouth fresheners. It strongly influences the development of leukoplakia.
4. Microorganism: The Epstein-Barr virus is the primary carrier of hairy leukoplakia, and a dysplastic change can occur in the normal squamous epithelium and lead to cancer or Leukoplakia. 
5. Trauma: If there will be a broken tooth or the dentures are not fixed, it causes similar white patches similar to leukoplakia. Diseases such as nicotine stomatitis can cause leukoplakia.
6. Atrophy: Leukoplakia mainly develops in the epithelial tissue, and conditions causing atrophy of epithelia such as iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies can lead to the development of leukoplakia.
7. Weak immune system: People having weak immunity are at risk of getting hairy leukoplakia. In this case, there is the development of white patches that look similar to ridges present on the lateral side of the tongue.

Treatment:

1. Surgery: Many doctors suggest surgery to be the primary treatment using a scalpel with laser or cryotherapy (removing the lesion by keeping the affected area at low temperature). 
2. Medication: Many anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs are prescribed to the patient along with multiple vitamins to treat Leukoplakia.