How to tell the difference between leukoplakia and oral candidiasis by inspection?

Wipe: Usually the white coating will wipe away leaving a red lesion, often tender, with a yeast infection. Most leukoplakia will not wipe away and is not tender, unless associated with other afflictions like lichen Planis. Medical history of medications and associated disorders are important determining the source. See dentist.

Physical exam alone: Leukoplakia lesions are easy to identify. The condition causes white lesions, or patches, on your tongue. The thrush, can be similar in appearance. However, doctors can often remove oral growths on the tongue due to thrush. This makes differential diagnosis between the two conditions easy.