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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pale/whitish Colour In Palate After Quitting Smoking?

I quit smoking about 2 months ago after smoking for 2 years (im 19). I noticed about 6 weeks ago that my hard palate is a very pale/whitish color, it is not in lesions but the whole palate is exactly the same pale shade. It does not hurt, it does not get irritated from brushing or foods, it does not bleed when I brush and it hasnt seemed to change for better or for worse in the past 6 weeks. It feels smooth and there doesnt seem to be any bumps. What is the cause of this?
Fri, 4 Sep 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Brief answer: SMOKER'S PALATE.


Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern...

As per your complain the pale or whitish appearance of the palate in a smoker is due to continuous irritation to the palatal mucosa due to heat and due to it there is over production of keratin leading to formation of a thick keratin layer [hyperkeratosis] and also there is thickening of palatal mucosa both leading to whitish or pale appearance..

You need not to worry as the whitish appearance will resolve once the habit of smoking completely stopped..
It may take for period of few weeks as about 5 to 6 weeks for the complete resolution.

But in case if the smoking is totally stopped and the white appearance is still persistent then you need to consult an oral physician to get evaluated for Leukoplakia which is a precancerous lesion..

Hope this information helps..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..
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What Causes Pale/whitish Colour In Palate After Quitting Smoking?

Brief answer: SMOKER S PALATE. Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concern... As per your complain the pale or whitish appearance of the palate in a smoker is due to continuous irritation to the palatal mucosa due to heat and due to it there is over production of keratin leading to formation of a thick keratin layer [hyperkeratosis] and also there is thickening of palatal mucosa both leading to whitish or pale appearance.. You need not to worry as the whitish appearance will resolve once the habit of smoking completely stopped.. It may take for period of few weeks as about 5 to 6 weeks for the complete resolution. But in case if the smoking is totally stopped and the white appearance is still persistent then you need to consult an oral physician to get evaluated for Leukoplakia which is a precancerous lesion.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora..