Here’s even more incentive to protect people against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV):
The incident rates of oral cancer due to HPV are increasing, with experts indicating that HPV may soon rival tobacco use as the main cause for oral cancer.
Also read: Dentists Play a Crucial Role in Detecting Oral Cancer
To put this into perspective, researchers in the UK examined 124
patients with oral cancer and discovered that the cancer in 50 patients was a result of HPV. Lead researcher Mine Tezal, D.D.S., Ph.D., of the University at Buffalo said: “Periodontitis is easy to detect and may represent a clinical high-risk profile for oral HPV infection.”
It is vital to regularly check for early warning signs of mouth cancer. These include ulcers, which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth. Our office offers free oral cancer screenings throughout the year. Our hygienists also check for it during routine teeth cleanings.
Also read: The Ten-Minute Screening that Could Save Your Life
According to the CDC, least 20 million people in the U.S. are living with HPV, with approximately 6.2 million new cases reported each year. HPV is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infections in the world. There is no cure.
