Linea alba (cheek)

The linea alba (Latin for white line), in dentistry, is a horizontal streak on the buccal mucosa (inner surface of the cheek), level with the occlusion (biting plane). It usually extends from the commissure to the posterior teeth, and can extend to the inner lip mucosa and corners of the mouth.

The linea alba is a common finding and most likely associated with pressure, frictional irritation, or sucking trauma from the facial surfaces of the teeth. It may be mistaken for a lesion requiring treatment and may be found in individuals who chew tobacco.