HomeAnswersDentistrywhite oral lesionsWhy do I have a white patch on the inside of my mouth?

I have a white patch on the inside of my mouth, which disappears after brushing. What is it?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Bharat Joshi

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At October 24, 2020
Reviewed AtOctober 24, 2020

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Last week, I noticed a rough patch on the inside of my mouth (right cheek). And it disappeared after brushing. However, it came back a few days after. When I look into the mirror, it seems like a small white patch and is located opposite my molar. It disappeared again after brushing.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It seems to be either leukoedema or cheek bite. It is characterized by a white colour and a typical appearance at the buccal mucosa. Since it is a white lesion, I suggest you to share the picture with me so that I can confirm my diagnosis.

The Probable causes

Trauma or injury.

Investigations to be done

Biopsy.

Differential diagnosis

Leukoplakia or lichen planus.

Probable diagnosis

White lesion (chief complaint).

Regarding follow up

Since it could be the initiation of either leukoplakia or lichen planus, so I request you to share a picture with me immediately.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Please see the attached photo. It might not be visible since it disappeared after brushing, but it keeps on reappearing, so I got a little bit worried. Please let me know if I need to take another picture. Just for additional information: I do not smoke; however, my grandmother had oral cancer before, since she was a heavy smoker.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you very much for sending the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Although it is not visible, I am sure that it is neither leukoplakia nor lichen planus as it is a permanent lesion. It could be leukoedema because it disappears on stretching. I suggest you to click the picture when it appears.

The Probable causes

Trauma.

Investigations to be done

Biopsy later.

Differential diagnosis

Cheek bite.

Probable diagnosis

Leukoedema (suspected from picture).

Treatment plan

Multivitamin therapy (which suits you) once a day for one month and Lycopene supplements once a day for 15 days.

Preventive measures

Avoid eating hot food from that side.

Regarding follow up

Please do not worry. Send the picture when it appears. If it is leukoedema, then no need to worry because a benign lesion will heal itself. But please share the image when it appears, since I want to differentiate it from cheek bite.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

It is noted in this picture.

Answered by Dr. Bharat Joshi

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope I succeeded in solving your problem.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Bharat Joshi
Dr. Bharat Joshi

Dentistry

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