---
title: "What Is Leukoplakia? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch inside the mouth that does not wipe away. Some patches are linked to oral cancer, so they need checking."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/leukoplakia
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Conditions

# Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch inside the mouth that does not wipe away. Some patches are linked to oral cancer, so they need checking.

Leukoplakia is a condition that causes white or gray patches to develop inside your mouth. The patches usually do not hurt. Cleveland Clinic says they do not go away, even if you rub them.

Tobacco use is a common cause. Irritation can also play a part. Many patches are harmless, but sometimes leukoplakia is associated with oral cancer. That is why a patch that does not go away should be looked at.

A dentist checks the mouth at routine visits. If a patch looks suspicious, the dentist may suggest a [biopsy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/biopsy), which is a small tissue sample that is looked at in a lab. See [oral cancer screening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-cancer-screening). Our office describes screening on its [oral cancer screening page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/oral-cancer-screening).

[Town Center Dental can helpOral Cancer Screening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/oral-cancer-screening)

## Related terms

-   [Oral cancer screening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-cancer-screening)
-   [Biopsy](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/biopsy)
-   [Oral thrush](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-thrush)
-   [Mouth sores](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/mouth-sores)
-   [Canker sore](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/canker-sore)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Leukoplakia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17655-leukoplakia)
2.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Leukoplakia](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/leukoplakia)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)