Leukoplakia is a condition which leads to the occurrence of white patches inside the mouth or tongue, especially in the mucus membrane within the mouth. Though the exact reason for this condition has not been found, smoking, betel chewing, alcohol intake etc have been identified as the major risk factors affecting this disease.
The major symptoms of Leukoplakia are definite patches inside the mouth or tongue having hardened surface and wrinkled feature. The white patches caused by this disease later develop into gray or gray-white colored sores.
Among the many factors that cause this disease, smoking is known to be a major cause. Research has shown that smoking, tobacco chewing, hookah and other modes of tobacco smoking are greatly responsible for Leukoplakia among people.
It is necessary to immediately stop cigarette smoking and other tobacco products to prevent the Leukoplakia patches inside the mouth and the tongue from becoming worse. One should also try to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages. Instead one must increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables lessen the chances of occurrence of Leukoplakia. The Leukoplakia patches can be removed by doctors by using certain removing instruments. They might also use laser or a scalpel to remove the patches and thus prevent them from further injury.
Stop smoking medication are available in the market in various types and varieties. There are NRT products which contain a small quantity of nicotine and are available over-the-counter. Zyban and Chantix are medications which are available only on prescription and do not contain any nicotine. One must take the help of these medications and try to stop smoking.