1. Find and Remove the Cause
If you're diagnosed with leukoplakia, your doctor first will want to eliminate the cause of the mouth lesions. Since the vast majority of leukoplakia is caused by tobacco and alcohol use, you might find the condition clears up on its own if you stop smoking or drinking. If necessary, your doctor or dentist will remove remaining lesions with a scalpel or probe. Some leukoplakia cases are precancerous, and the lesions will have to be removed completely to reduce the risk of mouth cancer developing.
2. Use Retinoids Against Leukoplakia
First developed to treat acne and serious cosmetic conditions of the skin, retinoids are vitamin-A-derived substances that have applications in the treatment of leukoplakia. However, they do cause side effects even when taken in highly controlled dosages. Beta carotene and vitamin-E based solutions may also be used, though more research on the effectiveness of these treatments is needed.
3. Systemic Treatments Can Control the Condition
If you have a more complicated version of the infection known as "oral hairy leukoplakia," your doctor or your dentist may wait to see how the condition develops. Sometimes, it will clear up on its own, without any further medicinal interventions. However, orally ingested systemic drugs can be used to stop the spread of the condition. These drugs can prevent the spread of your leukoplakia but won't remove existing lesions.
4. Search for a Topical Solution
Numerous treatment agents can be applied directly to the lesions to destroy them. Tretinoin and podophyllum resin are two of the most commonly prescribed topical treatments, though they can cause unpleasant sensations in the mouth and a temporary loss of your sense of taste.
Regardless of the treatment, you should be aware that leukoplakia has a high recurrence rate. Because it can be a precancerous condition, you should continue any lifestyle modifications you implemented to get rid of the lesions and report any new growths to a doctor.rn
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