In leukoplakia, there are small, thickened, white patches in the mouth, usually on the lining of the mouth or tongue, but sometimes on the gums or floor of the mouth. The main feature of the patches is that they cannot be scraped off.
Leukoplakia is linked to irritation from substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and betel leaves or nuts, or from the tongue or cheek rubbing on a rough tooth or denture.
A type of leukoplakia called hairy leukoplakia affects people with reduced immunity. In this type, the patches have a rough surface. Leukoplakia is associated with an increased risk of mouth cancer, but hairy leukoplakia is not.
Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption may cause the patches to shrink or disappear.
The patches are usually harmless, but medical advice should be sought if they haven’t cleared up after 2 weeks to check whether the leukoplakia is likely to become cancerous. If so, surgical removal may be advised.

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