HPV symptoms in the mouth

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases today. Symptoms of HPV in the mouth and other areas of the body are variable, depending on the strain of virus causing the lesion. This disease is often asymptomatic and sometimes tends to disappear on its own after the incubation period. However, its presence is associated with some of the most common cancers in women, such as cervical cancer.

On the other hand, if any of the high-risk oncogenic strains affect the oral mucosa (in both men and women) oropharyngeal cancer may appear as a consequence. But it is important to know that the presence of human papillomavirus does not always lead to this type of outcome.

At Silmidental Clinic we are experts in oral medicine and we work on the prevention of oral diseases of all kinds. Our recommendation is that you always go to the dental clinic for regular oral check-ups. In these examinations, the dentist can detect the presence of oral pathologies of varying severity and start early treatments. Diagnosis is the key to avoid oral damage and enjoy a healthy smile.

What is the human papilloma virus?

Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV or HPV, is a viral condition that affects the mucous membranes and skin. It is spread through direct contact with lesions, although hands that have been in contact with the virus can also transmit it to mucous membranes. It is usually associated with lesions in the genital area in both men and women.

HPV in the mouth can occur throughout the oral cavity, including the lips and nasal area. Most frequently the presence of HPV is associated with the lips, palate and tongue. Transmission of this type of viral disease can occur through various types of contact, often through oral sex or kissing in the mouth with people infected with HPV.

HPV is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases today. In addition, there are many known strains of HPV, more than 100 to be precise, but current vaccines are not able to protect against all of them. HPV types are divided into high-risk, low-risk or moderate oncogenic risk strains.

HPV types and their oncogenic risk

Of the 100 known strains of human papillomavirus only some of them can affect the mouth area. It should be noted that not all HPV types are associated with oropharyngeal or cervical cancer. In many cases, the lesion tends to disappear spontaneously and without consequences. Nevertheless, regular check-ups and examinations at gynecological and oral-dental level are a priority to avoid further damage as a result of these viral pathologies.

  • High-risk human papillomavirus: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 and 55. Strain 16 has the strongest association with oropharyngeal cancer.
  • Moderate-risk human papillomavirus: HPV 45 and 52.
  • Low-risk human papillomaviruses: HPV 6, 11, 13 and 32.
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Main symptoms of HPV in the mouth

The symptoms of HPV in the mouth are variable. In addition, it should be noted that the disease is often asymptomatic. The presence of human papillomavirus in the oral cavity usually presents as small, wart-like lesions, which are usually whitish or pinkish in color. In many cases, HPV goes unnoticed because the lesions closely resemble canker sores.

Also, sometimes the warts are so small that they are not detectable to the naked eye. For this reason, it is very important to visit the dental clinic for regular oral check-ups. The dentist, using a magnifying glass and other tools, can detect the presence of lesions of all kinds.

In these routine visits to Silmidental, we carefully analyze the situation of your oral cavity and carry out professional oral cleanings and examinations, with the aim of improving health and optimizing disease prevention.

HPV treatment in the mouth

The treatment of HPV in the mouth varies depending on the strain that is present. Therefore, the first step is to extract a sample of the virus and analyze it in the laboratory in order to determine if it is HPV and to know exactly what type of lesion it is.

In any case, it is the specialist who establishes a timely and quality treatment plan. It is possible that, if it is a low-risk strain, the treatment prescribed is only for control and constant review, since the infection usually disappears on its own. In other cases, the physician may prescribe specific ointments or medications. And there is the possibility that minor surgery may be planned to remove the entire lesion.

The importance of HPV prevention

In order to avoid symptoms of HPV in the mouth or other areas of the body, prevention is a priority. Practicing safe sex, using condoms and oral care, is important. However, it does not completely exempt from the risk of infection. The population that is sexually active (with several sexual partners) presents a higher risk of suffering from the human papillomavirus.

The HPV vaccine is the best option for prevention. It is currently established in the vaccination schedule for girls between 11 and 14 years of age, when it is assumed that they have not yet become sexually active. However, anyone can be vaccinated against human papillomavirus, bearing in mind that, if they have already had any strain of the virus, the vaccine will not protect against that type of HPV.

In addition, the current vaccine does not cover all existing HPV strains. Work is still underway to improve these vaccines and to analyze whether they are also needed to prevent HPV in men.

In the presence of HPV symptoms in the mouth it is important to visit the dental clinic immediately. A thorough and exhaustive examination of the lesions is key to avoid viral development and the possibility of oropharyngeal cancer.