White or red patches in the mouth

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White or red patches in the mouth

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.

Credits

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer