Linea Alba of Oral Mucosa: A Review of Diagnosis and Management for Dental Clinicians
Abstract
Linea alba is a common benign white lesion that appears along the buccal mucosa at the occlusal plane. This reactive keratosis results from chronic frictional trauma against teeth surfaces and requires differentiation from potentially malignant oral lesions. Understanding the clinical characteristics, histopathologic features, and appropriate management strategies enables dental practitioners to provide accurate diagnosis and patient counseling. This review synthesizes the current evidence on the linea alba, emphasizing the diagnostic criteria, differential considerations, and conservative management approaches relevant to clinical practice.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Oral Health Pathology and Treatment
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
HIV/AIDS oral health manifestations
Publication details
- Journal / source
- South Asian Research Journal of Oral and Dental Sciences
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 01
- Pages
- 1–3
- Publication date
- 7 January 2026
- Language
- EN