Discovering an unexpected change inside your mouth can be alarming. Whether you are brushing your teeth or glancing in the mirror, spotting a persistent white patch in the mouth, a red spot, or an unusual sore can instantly trigger anxiety.
First, take a deep breath. While it is important to pay attention to these changes, many oral lesions are completely benign (non-cancerous) or easily treatable when caught early. At River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center, our role is to provide clarity, expert diagnosis, and peace of mind through specialized oral cancer screening in Sioux Falls.
What Could a White Patch Mean? Understanding Leukoplakia
One of the most common conditions associated with white spots inside the mouth is a condition called leukoplakia.
Leukoplakia refers to thick, white patches that form on the tongue, gums, or the inside of your cheeks. Unlike oral thrush (a fungal infection), these patches cannot be scraped away.
- What causes it? Leukoplakia is often the mouth’s reaction to chronic irritation. This can stem from tobacco use (smoking or chewing), heavy alcohol consumption, or even mechanical irritation, such as a sharp tooth rubbing against your cheek or an ill-fitting denture.
- Is it dangerous? Most cases of leukoplakia are benign. However, some can be precancerous or exhibit early signs of oral cancer. Because it is impossible to determine the difference just by looking at it, any white patch that lasts longer than two weeks requires a professional evaluation.
Why a Professional Diagnosis Matters
When it comes to the soft tissues of your mouth, guessing is never a safe strategy. Oral surgeons undergo extensive, specialized training in Oral Pathology—the study and treatment of oral diseases.
If you visit Dr. Brent J. Henriksen, Dr. Abtin Etezadi or Dr. Trevor B. Holleman for a consultation, we will carefully evaluate the patch, review your health history, and determine if a biopsy is necessary. A biopsy is a quick, highly routine procedure where a tiny tissue sample is taken and sent to a lab to get a definitive, definitive answer. If treatment or lifestyle modifications are needed, we walk you through every step of the process.
When to Seek Immediate Evaluation:
- A white or red patch that doesn’t heal within 14 days.
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck.
- A sore that bleeds easily or feels numb.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Monthly Self-Exams
The most effective tool against advanced oral disease is early detection. We highly recommend that all our patients perform a quick monthly oral self-exam. It only takes a minute and can easily be done right after you brush your teeth:
- Check Your Cheeks and Gums: Pull your lips out and look at the tissue inside, then press your fingers along your gums to feel for any lumps or changes in texture.
- Examine Your Tongue: Extend your tongue and look at the top, bottom, and both sides.
- Look at the Roof and Floor of Your Mouth: Tilt your head back to inspect the roof of your mouth, and lift your tongue to check the floor beneath it.
If you spot anything unusual during your self-exam, simply note how long it has been there. If it persists past the two-week mark, it’s time to have it looked at.
Take Control of Your Oral Health
Finding a spot in your mouth shouldn’t panic you, but it should prompt you to take action. Getting a professional evaluation is the fastest way to protect your health and eliminate the guesswork.
If you have noticed a persistent white patch or any other unusual changes, contact River Ridge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgical Center today at 605-331-5059 to schedule an oral cancer screening in Sioux Falls.