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The link between oral cancer and oral HPV is a huge breakthrough in preventive dental health. There was a time in history where stereotypes abounded regarding the risks of oral cancer. In general, people tended to believe that older gentlemen who smoked and drank regularly were the main people who needed to worry about oral cancer.

Now we know that human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world affecting women of all ages. This is why women are now tested at their annual pap smears. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has collected data to show that roughly 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV. All of this information leaves women with plenty of questions about the HPV virus. Your at Dental Associates of Corona will answer some or your queries. 

Oral HPV FAQs

Q1. Is the oral HPV virus the same thing as the regular HPV virus?

A1. Yes – the HPV virus can manifest as oral HPV, but involves the exact same viral strain.

Q2. Can oral HPV lead to oral cancer?

A2. Yes. Some types of oral HPV have been linked to higher risk factors for developing oral cancer. Oral and pharyngeal cancer can be very challenging to diagnose in the earliest stages because of limited symptoms. Generally, by the time very clear symptoms are seen, the malignancy will have likely progressed to a degree that makes it a lot harder to fight. Oral HPV, just as oral cancer, has few or no symptoms. Thus, oralDNA testing can be a huge advantage in predicting oral cancer risks.

Q3. Is oralDNA testing just for HPV?

A3. No. In fact, oralDNA testing has been an element in preventive dental health to detect gum disease. The realization that the same test could be used for oral HPV was a revelation. Many dentists have started to see higher rates of oral cancer in younger and younger people patients. Whether or not this is linked to oral HPV is still a question of research, but knowledge of a positive oral HPV test is a great tool in your preventive dental health as well as overall health.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Temecula Dentists

If you are concerned with oral cancer, or just in need of a general dental checkup, contact your dentists in Temecula. We provides  for our patients of all ages. If you are in need of a checkup, cleaning, restorative procedures such as fillings or crowns, or one of the above-mentioned cosmetic procedures, contact our 92591 dental office by calling (951) 695-2290 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Temecula and all surrounding communities.