HPV and Oral Cancer Prevention for Rochester Dental Patients
HPV or Human Papillomavirus has been a matter within the dental circle which is on account of it’s relation to oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the back of the tongue and tonsils, was previously usually related to smoking and drinking, however, in recent years this kind of cancer has been connected to HPV. So what is HPV and how is it prevented?
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a sexually transmitted disease which can present itself in over 100 variations. It’s estimated that about three fourths of people that are sexually active will have had HPV in their lifetime. Often times, there won’t be any signs and symptoms of HPV and after about two years, the human body can naturally eliminate the virus. However, there are types of HPV that can cause cancer or warts and these types of HPV are considered “high risk”. These high risk strains are known to cause cervical cancer in women and oral cancer in both males and females.
Prevention against HPV
Since HPV is sexually transmitted, prevention is best achieved by refraining from sexual activity, such as oral sex, or practicing safe sex. There is also a vaccination available that has been approved by the FDA for women aged 9 to 26 years old called Gardasil. Always be certain to think about the dangers involved and take care to help lessen 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 each patient here at HPS Advanced Dental Care. An oral cancer screening consisting of visual examining and palpitations to the head, neck and oral cavity is done at every checkup. As part of your routine dental exam, we make sure to check for any unusual 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, complications with swallowing or speech, and proper fitting of dentures. Commonly, 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 persistent 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 regularly.
HPV and Oral Cancer Prevention for Rochester Dental Patients
If you have any further inqueries about HPV and oral cancer prevention in Rochester, Michigan, please visit our website midentalwellness.com or call our office at (248) 652-0024.
