What condition might present as white wavy folds in the buccal mucosa in a patient who uses smokeless tobacco?

The presence of white wavy folds in the buccal mucosa in a patient who uses smokeless tobacco is indicative of smoker's pouch keratosis. This condition arises specifically due to the irritation and keratinization of the oral mucosa caused by the physical and chemical agents in smokeless tobacco. The wavy appearance of the folds is a characteristic sign, reflecting the changes happening in the mucosal layer as a response to chronic irritation from the tobacco.

In contrast, leukoplakia manifests as white patches that may not have a distinct texture or folding pattern, and while it is also associated with tobacco use, it does not consistently present with the wavy folds observed in smoker's pouch keratosis. Oral lichen planus typically presents with a lace-like, reticular pattern rather than folds and is not directly linked to tobacco use. Chronic candidiasis would result in a creamy white coating or patches, often associated with yeast infection and not related to tobacco usage or the presentation of white folds in the buccal mucosa.