Most people have heard of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), but many don’t realise it can also affect the mouth and throat. HPV is a very common virus, and most people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body’s immune system clears the infection naturally without causing any problems.
However, some types of HPV can affect the tissues of the mouth and throat and, in a small number of cases, increase the risk of developing oral or throat cancers.
How is HPV Spread?
HPV is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including intimate contact. Because the virus is so common, having HPV does not necessarily mean someone has done anything wrong or will develop disease.
Can HPV Affect the Mouth?
Yes. HPV can infect the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, tonsils, and the back of the throat. Most oral HPV infections cause no symptoms and disappear on their own.
Occasionally, HPV may cause small, wart-like growths in the mouth. More importantly, certain high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV-16, have been linked to cancers of the throat, especially the tonsils and base of the tongue.
It’s important to remember that most people with HPV will never develop cancer.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Many early HPV-related oral cancers cause few or no symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations are so important.
See your dentist or doctor if you notice:
- A mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal within two weeks.
- A lump or swelling in the mouth or neck.
- A persistent sore throat.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- A persistent hoarse voice.
- Red or white patches in the mouth.
- Unexplained pain or numbness.
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should always be checked.
Can HPV Be Prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent HPV infection, you can reduce your risk by:
- Receiving the HPV vaccination, which protects against the most common high-risk HPV types.
- Avoiding smoking and vaping, which significantly increase the risk of oral cancer.
- Limiting alcohol intake, as heavy alcohol use further increases the risk.
- Maintaining good oral health and attending regular dental check-ups.
Why Are Dental Check-Ups So Important?
At every routine examination, your dentist checks more than just your teeth. They also examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, and throat for any unusual changes that may require further investigation.
Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating oral cancer.
The Bottom Line
HPV is extremely common, and most infections are harmless and resolve naturally. However, because some high-risk types are associated with oral and throat cancers, regular dental examinations play an important role in early detection.
At Dural Dental Practice, every comprehensive examination includes an oral cancer screening. Our goal is not only to care for your teeth but also to monitor the overall health of your mouth, giving you peace of mind and helping to detect problems as early as possible.
