Thick, hard, white patches on a cheek, tongue, lips, or other areas
inside the mouth that do not wipe off are called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is
commonly caused by irritation of the mouth, such as from a rough tooth or
poorly fitting denture rubbing against tissue or from smoking or using
smokeless (spit) tobacco.
Leukoplakia may clear up if you remove the source of the irritation,
by fixing the tooth or denture, or stopping tobacco use. It may take several
weeks or even months for the leukoplakia to go away completely. In rare
instances, leukoplakia can be an early sign of
oral cancer.
White, raised patches that resemble milk curds on the inside of the
cheeks, lips, tongue, and back of the throat may be caused by a fungal
infection (thrush). If the thrush is mild, the white patches are
easily wiped off. If the thrush is deep, the patches are more difficult to
remove and may leave sores. Treatment usually involves a prescription of oral
antifungal medication. If another medical problem is causing the thrush, it
will also be treated.
Persistent red or white patches also can be a symptom of oral cancer
that needs to be evaluated by a health professional. A
biopsy of these areas may be needed.
