The increase in cancer mortality throughout the world justifies the study of its causes and development. Oropharyngeal cancer is ranked on the sixth place, Hungary with the highest mortality among 46 countries. Tobacco use is implicated in the development of oral cancer, and oral leukoplakia as well. The aim of the study was to give an overview on the connection between tobacco use and oral leukoplakia. Summarizing the literary data strong evidence has been found on the role of smoking in the development both of oral cancer and oral leukoplakia. Epidemiologic patterns of cigarette-smoking show a steep increase in Central-European countries, especially in Hungary. Cross-sectional studies indicate higher prevalence rate of leukoplakia among smokers, with a dose-response relationship between tobacco use and oral leukoplakia, while intervention studies show a regression of the lesion after stopping the smoking habit.