Reviewed by Dr. J. Travis Thompson, DDS

⏱️Reading time: four minutes.

Linea alba in the mouth is a common, benign condition that presents as a white line inside the cheek, often visible along the occlusal plane where the upper and lower teeth meet.

This blog will explain linea alba, how it differs from leukoplakia, and when to seek professional care.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Linea alba in the mouth is a common and benign white line caused by friction, often from cheek biting or orthodontic appliances, while leukoplakia is a potentially serious condition linked to chronic irritation with a risk of developing into oral cancer.

What Is Linea Alba?

Linea alba refers to a thin, slightly raised white ridge running along the inside of the cheek.

It is often due to frictional irritation from cheek biting, excessive pressure, uneven teeth, dentures, or other orthodontic appliances. It is a natural occurrence and usually harmless.

Key characteristics:

  • Location: Typically along the buccal mucosa (inside of the cheek), near the posterior teeth.
  • Appearance: A white line inside the cheek with a smooth texture.
  • Cause: Friction, cheek biting, chronic irritation, dentures, and orthodontic appliances.
  • Severity: Benign condition with no health risks.

What Is Leukoplakia?

Leukoplakia is a potentially serious oral condition characterized by a white patch on the oral mucosa that cannot be wiped away.

It may develop due to chronic irritation, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or other classic risk factors.

Leukoplakia symptoms:

  • White lesions on the oral tissue, especially the lip mucosa, lateral surface, or ventral surface of the tongue.
  • May present as a flat or slightly raised white patch.
  • Often asymmetrical lesions.
  • Potential for cancer increases with atypical cells and continued irritation.

Linea Alba Mouth vs Leukoplakia

While both the linea alba mouth and leukoplakia present as white lesions, their causes, risks, and treatments differ significantly.

Differences:

  • Cause: Linea alba results from friction, while leukoplakia stems from chronic irritation, heavy alcohol use, or tobacco.
  • Health risk: Linea alba is a benign condition, while leukoplakia can lead to squamous cell carcinoma and requires monitoring.
  • Appearance: Linea alba presents as a thin white ridge, while leukoplakia may appear as a larger white patch or mucosal lesion.

What Is Hairy Leukoplakia?

Hairy leukoplakia is a specific form of leukoplakia often linked to viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus. It presents as a white, hairy-textured patch commonly on the sides of the tongue.

Hairy leukoplakia vs oral leukoplakia:

  • Cause: Hairy leukoplakia is linked to viral infections.
  • Appearance: Hair-like projections compared to the smoother white patch of standard leukoplakia.
  • Risk: Hairy leukoplakia is not typically precancerous but still indicates underlying health concerns.

Oral Cancer and White Lesions

White lesions can sometimes be early signs of oral cancer, especially when accompanied by:

  • Persistent reddish patches or erosive lesions.
  • Ulcerations or non-healing sores on the oral tissue.
  • Pain or discomfort in the floor of the mouth, lip mucosa, or other soft tissues.

What does oral cancer look like?

  • White lesions with irregular borders.
  • Reddish patches mixed with white.
  • Asymmetrical lesion growth.

Oral Lichen Planus vs Leukoplakia

Oral lichen planus and leukoplakia can appear similar but have different causes and risks.

Oral lichen planus:

  • An autoimmune condition causing white, lace-like patterns on the oral mucosa.
  • May cause discomfort but is not premalignant.

Leukoplakia:

  • Often a result of chronic irritation.
  • Potential for cancer increases with atypical cells.

Diagnosing Oral Lesions

Oral surgeons specialize in oral pathology and diagnosis. They can differentiate between linea alba, leukoplakia, and other oral lesions through a soft tissue examination. 

Common diagnostic steps:

  • Visual examination: Identifying oral lesions, their location, and patterns.
  • Medical history: Checking for classic risk factors like tobacco use and chronic irritation.
  • Biopsy: For suspicious oral lesions, a biopsy may be recommended.
  • Additional technologies: Tools like fluorescence imaging can help detect atypical cells.

How to Maintain Oral Health

  • Regular brushing and flossing: Clean all tooth surfaces daily.
  • Routine examinations: Visit your dentist once a year for check ups. 
  • Avoid classic risk factors: Limit tobacco and alcohol use.
  • Healthy diet: Nutrient-rich foods promote oral tissue health.

If you notice any unusual lesions that do not go away or get worse, it is important to seek an evaluation promptly. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications.

Schedule Your Oral Examination in Deer Park, IL, Today!

At Oral Facial & Implant Specialists, our skilled oral surgeons, Dr. J. Travis Thompson and Dr.  Stephen Martin, provides comprehensive evaluations and expert care for all oral lesions. To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.

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