II. Pathophysiology

  1. Common, benign, hyperplastic reaction
  2. Hyperkeratosis results from chronic friction and irritation
    1. Sucking in, or chewing cheek, results in friction against teeth

III. Symptoms

  1. Typically asymptomatic

IV. Signs

  1. White horizontal line midway along Buccal mucosa

V. Differential Diagnosis

  1. Leukoplakia (atypical, non-linear lesions)

VI. Evaluation

  1. Typical linea alba requires no biopsy or further evaluation

VII. Management

  1. No specific management needed

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