In most cases, treating leukoplakia involves removing the cause of irritation. Leukoplakia usually goes away after eliminating the irritating factors. Leukoplakia may remain for weeks or months after ill-fitting dental appliances are removed, or up to a year after tobacco or alcohol use is stopped or diminished.  

If signs of oral cancer are identified, the entire leukoplakia lesion may be removed from a patient’s mouth. This may be done with a scalpel, laser or cryoprobe (device that freezes cells in the area). Preventing leukoplakia involves avoiding its causes.   

Treating and preventing leukoplakia may also include:

• Eliminate use of tobacco products. This includes tobacco that is smoked (e.g., cigarettes, pipe) and chewed or held inside the mouth (e.g., chew, snuff). Most leukoplakia lesions heal within a year of eliminating tobacco use.
  
  
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol irritates the mucous membrane lining of the mouth. Restricting alcohol consumption can help heal as well as prevent leukoplakia lesions inside the mouth.
  
  
• Schedule regular dental examinations. These may identify any causes of concern in a patient’s mouth while they are easy to treat or before they become larger problems (e.g., oral cancer). Dental appliances may be periodically checked and adjusted for a proper fit.
  
  
• Have sharp edges smoothed. A dentist can smooth rough edges on sharp teeth or restorations that can irritate the lining of the mouth.
  
  
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A healthy, well-balanced diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain a patient’s overall health and immune system function. In addition, certain types of fruits and vegetables contain beta carotene, an antioxidant that is transformed into vitamin A in the body and may help reduce leukoplakia lesions. These include yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (e.g., apricots, cantaloupe, carrots) and green, leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach).

In cases of hairy leukoplakia, medications may be used to treat the infection causing the condition. For example, antiviral drugs may be used if the Epstein-Barr virus is the cause. Antifungal medication may be used for secondary fungal infections. However, most cases of hairy leukoplakia return after medications are stopped. Not all cases of hairy leukoplakia require treatment. A dentist or physician may recommend simply monitoring the condition to see if it worsens.