HPV and Oral Cancer Information for Romeo Dental Patients
HPV or Human Papillomavirus has been a theme around the dental circle and this is as a result of it’s relation to oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer, or cancer of the back of the tongue and tonsils, was previously most often affiliated with smoking and drinking, however, recently this type of cancer has been linked with HPV. So what exactly is HPV and just how might it be prevented?
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is an std that can present itself in over 100 variations. Roughly around three fourths of people that are sexually active will have had HPV in their lifetime. Quite often, there won’t be any the signs of HPV and after about two years, the body can naturally get rid of the virus. Having said that, there are kinds of HPV that may cause cancer or warts and these forms of HPV are viewed as “high risk”. These high risk strains are proven to cause cervical cancer in women and oral cancer in both women and men.
Protection against HPV
Since HPV is sexually transmitted, prevention is best attained by refraining from sexual activity, including oral sex, or practicing safe sex. Additionally there is a vaccination available which has been approved by the FDA for women aged 9 to 26 years old called Gardasil. Always make sure to take into consideration the dangers 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 examining and palpitations to the head, neck and oral cavity is done at each 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, problems 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 persistent soreness, swelling in your mouth or neck, white or red patches on your mouth or lips, bleeding in your throat or mouth, trouble swallowing or constant hoarseness, visit your dentist at once. If caught in 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 Romeo Dental Patients
If you have any further queries about HPV and oral cancer in Romeo, Michigan, please go to our website midentalwellness.com or call our office at (248) 652-0024.
