Oral Leukoplakia Treatment
Usually all that is needed for the treatment of oral leukoplakia is just to remove the source of the irritation.
( What is Oral Leukoplakia )
If leukoplakia is caused by a rough edge of a tooth, filling, or crown or by a denture that does not fit properly,
the surface should be smoothed and the dental appliances repaired.
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For most people, changing life habits by stopping smoking or alcohol consumption clears the condition in a few weeks or months
without any permanent damage to the mouth tissues.
If removing the irritating factors isn't effective in clearing the patches, leukoplakia treatment may include surgical removal
and/or medication applications to the affected areas. A biopsy should be conducted (if not already done during diagnosis).
A general dentist or an oral surgeon can surgically remove the leukoplakic patches using a scalpel, a laser or a cryoprobe, under local anesthesia.
Follow-up is necessary after surgical removal because recurrences are frequent.
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Repeat biopsies may be necessary in some cases where there is a significant risk of cancer or changes in the size, color or texture of the leukoplakia.
Retinoids - derivatives of vitamin A that are used to treat severe acne and other skin conditions -
appear to be effective for tratment of leukoplakia, but unfortunately they cause side effects, even when used topically.
Some research has also shown that vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and Beta carotene, (an antioxidant that's converted to vitamin A) may reduce the lesions associated with leukoplakia.
Regardless of the selected leukoplakia treatment, your mouth should be clinically monitored periodically by your physician or dentist.
Many cases of oral cancer develop in mouth areas adjacent to areas of leukoplakia or in sites previously treated for leukoplakia, and the patches themselves may show cancerous changes.
Leukoplakia that contains pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on a biopsy should be removed by surgery.
The prognosis will depend on the type and extent of the cancer.
Hairy leukoplakia is not painful and does not lead to cancerous growth. It is, however, all too often a sigh of the presence of HIV/AIDS.
Prevention of Oral Leukoplakia
You can prevent leukoplakia by eliminating any irritating factors for the mouth. The following actions may help :
Stop using tobacco products. Use of tobacco is directly related to many other diseases besides leukoplakia and oral cancer. Stopping its use will help you not only to prevent leukoplakia but will also promote your overall body health.
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption. Combining alcohol and smoking greatly increases your risk of both leukoplakia and oral cancer because alcohol makes it easier for the harmful chemicals in tobacco to penetrate the tissues in your mouth.
If you use dentures, maintain them properly and ensure that they are well fitted to your mouth. Stop any oral habits that could cause irritation. Have your dentist smooth any rough edges on fillings, crowns or natural teeth to prevent irritation.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. These are rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene, which reduce the risk of leukoplakia. Carrots, squash, pumpkins, spinach, and cantaloupe are food sources rich in beta-carotenes.
Regular dental exams can detect oral leukoplakia early, which is extremely important for succesful treatment if the lesion contains cancerous cells.
related link (external) for oral leukoplakia
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Dental health problems may require expensive treatments.
Get the best dental insurance you can afford,
so that you will not have to worry about the cost of a necessary treatment.
Avoid dental insurance plans with "hidden" special terms such as UCR or
LEAT, that could limit your options to a non desirable treatment.
Do not let your dental insurance take the decisions for you.
Learn what you have to check before you choose a dental insurance.
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