Reviewed by Dr. Brett Broda
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Reading time: three minutes
That white line inside your cheek may be linea alba, a harmless thickening of the tissue where your teeth rub against it. It usually isn’t painful and often needs no treatment. Still, not every white mark in the mouth is linea alba. If something is new, changing, or not going away, it’s worth having your dentist take a look.
Table of Contents
What Is Linea Alba in the Mouth?
Linea alba (Latin for white line) is a thin, horizontal white line inside the cheek, usually where the upper and lower teeth meet. It develops when repeated rubbing or pressure causes the tissue to thicken. The line may be slightly raised and appear on one or both cheeks, but it shouldn’t hurt, bleed, or form an open sore.
Common causes include:
- Biting or chewing the inside of your cheek
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Pressure from the teeth against the cheek
- A rough tooth or filling
- Friction from braces, dentures, retainer, nightguard or another dental appliance
You may not realize you’re biting your cheek or clenching your teeth. Both can happen unconsciously while you’re concentrating, feeling stressed, or sleeping.
Does It Need Treatment?
Linea alba is harmless and usually doesn’t need treatment. If it looks typical and isn’t bothering you, there’s no need to make a special appointment. Just mention it at your next checkup so we can take a look.
If something is repeatedly rubbing against your cheek, Dr. Broda may recommend addressing the source of irritation. If clenching or grinding is contributing, a custom nightguard may help.
What Types of White Patches in the Mouth Should Be Checked?
White patches or lesions inside the mouth can have many causes. Some are harmless, while others should be examined, particularly if they persist or begin to change.
It is especially important to have an area checked if it:
- Does not go away within about two weeks
- Has an irregular shape or changes in size or texture
- Feels hard, thickened, or raised
- Develops red areas or an open sore
- Bleeds without an obvious cause
- Causes persistent pain, burning, or tenderness
- Is accompanied by a lump or swelling
If you notice any of these changes, Dr. Broda can examine the area and determine whether it needs further attention.
FAQ
Why is the inside of my cheek peeling or turning white?
Irritation from cheek biting, dental appliances, certain oral care products, or repeated friction can cause the tissue inside your cheek to look white or begin to peel. If the area persists, becomes painful, or continues to change, have it examined.
Why do I have lines on my cheeks after getting Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners can sometimes press or rub against the inside of your cheeks, leaving temporary lines or areas of irritation. If an edge feels sharp or the irritation isn’t improving, let us know so we can check the area.
What can be mistaken for linea alba?
Several oral conditions can cause white areas that may look similar, including frictional keratosis, cheek biting, oral lichen planus, and leukoplakia. Because these conditions have different causes and may require different care, Dr. Broda should examine any white area that doesn’t have the typical appearance or persists.
Talk to Dr. Broda About Changes in Your Mouth
If you notice a white line, patch, or other change inside your mouth and aren’t sure what’s causing it, bring it up at your next visit. Dr. Broda can examine the area and let you know whether it’s something to monitor or if further care is needed.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St UNIT 300, Boulder, CO 80303, United States.
