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What Do I Need To Know About HPV and My Oral Health?
Posted on 5/15/2024 by Thomas Plunkett DMD
You may not have heard the term HPV or human papillomavirus, but you have likely heard the term genital warts before. The name genital warts is a bit misleading because genital warts can also appear in your mouth and throat. Dental health and HPV are linked, and HPV is linked to oral cancer as well. Here is some information you need to know about your dental health and HPV.
What Is HPV?
HPV is extremely common, and more than 25 percent of all American adults have it. HPV is treatable, but it is not curable. If you have HPV, you may notice bumps in your mouth, which can be in your throat, gums, or tongue. Usually, your immune system gets rid of the virus before it causes a lot of damage and infection, but some adults need treatment with medication.
How Can HPV Affect My Oral Health?
If your dental health is not as good as it should be, you are at higher risk for HPV because you may have tooth decay or periodontal disease, both of which increase your chances of getting HPV. Gum disease, in particular, leads to infection and inflammation of your gums, which makes it easier for the virus to make a home in your mouth. Also, HPV increases the risk you will get oral cancer in your mouth or throat.
What Can I Do?
There are some things you can do to preserve your oral health and prevent an HPV infection. First, there are vaccines available to prevent HPV. They work best when you or your family members are younger, between the ages of 11 and 21. If you have a child in that age range, be sure to vaccinate them against HPV. Also, keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible to lower your risk of HPV. The cleaner your mouth is, the lower your risk of infection from HPV.
Not sure how healthy your mouth is? Why not schedule an appointment today to speak with our dentist?
Dentist Lakeland, FL - About - Thomas Plunkett, DMD Above all else, we here at Thomas Plunkett, DMD want our patients to maintain healthy, bright, and beautiful smiles! Call us today to schedule your appointment! Thomas Plunkett, DMD, 2137 E County Rd 540A, Lakeland, FL 33813 \ 863-372-1010 \ plunkettdental.com \ 12/7/2024 \ Related Terms: dentist Lakeland \
You may not have heard the term HPV or human papillomavirus, but you have likely heard the term genital warts before. The name genital warts is a bit misleading because genital warts can also appear in your mouth and throat. Dental health and HPV are linked, and HPV is linked to oral cancer as well. Here is some information you need to know about your dental health and HPV.