Human Papillomavirus (Of The Mouth): Is It Real? Posted on 3/20/2020 by Sundberg Office The human papillomavirus (HPV) of the mouth is real and can lead to serious mouth health problems. Oral HPV is sexually transmitted and is mostly transmitted to the mouth through oral sex. While some patients manage to clear HPV within a year or two, the infection persists in some people. If untreated, oral HPV can lead to warts and cancer in the mouth, throat, and the salivary glands. This is known as oropharyngeal cancer.
What You Need To Know About Oral HPV
Most people, especially men, are exposed to HPV. The older you get, the more vulnerable you become to oral HPV. It is also spread by skin to skin contact with infected persons. Smoking and drinking have also been shown to promote oral HPV. This is what you need to know about oral HPV.
Symptoms of Oral HPV
While there is no known cure for HPV of the mouth, we can do screening to see if you have lesions in your mouth. The samples will then be tested for HPV. If you notice any lesions in your mouth, we advise you to visit our clinics for a checkup. Other symptoms to watch out for include hoarseness, lumps on the cheeks, trouble swallowing, and constant sore throats.
Treatment And Prevention of HPV Of The Mouth
At the moment, there is no known cure for HPV of the mouth. Treatment of the infection usually involves removing the growths before they develop into cancer. Patients need to be tested periodically to confirm whether the infection has been cleared from their mouths. It is much better to take preventive measures than to treat the infection. It is advisable to get HPV vaccination that protects you from various strains of the infection. You should also practice safe sex. If you have to engage in oral sex, then you should get dental dams from our clinics first. Most people rarely notice the symptoms of oral HPV until it is at an advanced stage. You should schedule regular dental checkups with us so as to nip the infection in the early stages. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or consultation today.