HPV and Oral Cancer Information for Sterling Heights Dental Patients
HPV or Human Papillomavirus has recently been a theme throughout the dental circle and this is on account of it’s relation to oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the back of the tongue and tonsils, was most commonly associated with smoking and drinking, however, fairly recently this kind of cancer has been associated with HPV. So what exactly is HPV and how might it be prevented?
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is an std that can present itself in over 100 variations. Roughly about three fourths of people that are sexually active will have had HPV in their lifetime. Sometimes, there aren’t any indications of HPV and after about two years, the body can naturally eliminate the virus. However, there are types of HPV that can cause cancer or warts and these kinds of HPV are perceived as “high risk”. These high risk strains are recognized to cause cervical cancer in women and oral cancer in both males and females.
Protection against HPV
Since HPV is sexually transmitted, prevention is best accomplished by refraining from sexual activity, which includes oral sex, or practicing safe sex. There’s also a vaccination available that has been approved by the FDA for females aged 9 to 26 years old called Gardasil. Always make sure to take into consideration the risks involved and take care to help lower your risk of getting HPV and possibly oral cancer.
Oral Cancer and HPS Advanced Dental Care
Oral cancer is something which we look for in every patient here at HPS Advanced Dental Care. An oral cancer screening consisting of visual checking and palpitations to the head, neck and oral cavity is completed at each checkup. As part of your routine dental exam, we make certain to look for any abnormal sores, white or red patches, lumps or thickening of the skin on the inside of the mouth, earaches, bleeding, soreness of the jaw or throat, difficulties with swallowing or speech, and proper fitting of dentures. Usually, oral cancer presents on the tongue, bottom of the mouth, and soft palate tissues on the lips and gums and back of the tongue. If you are experiencing any prolonged soreness, swelling in your mouth or neck, white or red patches on your mouth or lips, bleeding in your throat or mouth, difficulty swallowing or constant hoarseness, call your dentist at once. If caught during the early stages, oral cancer has a high rate of survival, so make sure to see your dentist routinely.
HPV and Oral Cancer Information for Sterling Heights Dental Patients
If you have any additional questions regarding HPV and oral cancer in Sterling Heights, Michigan, please go to our website midentalwellness.com or call our office at (248) 652-0024.
