HPV & Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know

We love to talk about the fun and interesting sides of oral health, but today, there is something much more serious on our minds. We care about the health of everyone in Norman, and as dental care professionals, we feel it our duty to educate you on how to be as safe and healthy as you can be.

While you have probably heard of the human papillomavirus and oral cancer, most people don’t know that they are linked. Here is some information from Dr. Audrey about the topic. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Proud to Serve Family Dentistry.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus refers to a family of nearly 200 strains that infect the epithelial skin cells and mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, throat, vulva, vagina, cervix, penis (through the urethral opening), and the anus. HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact (oral and genital) and it is one of the most common viruses in the country.

According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 Americans will have an HPV infection at some point. However, 99% of HPV infections are cleared up by your immune system without any symptoms or any indication that you were ever infected.

HPV & Oral Cancer

While most of us know HPV as the sexually transmitted infection responsible for genital warts, that represents only a few strains of the virus (usually HPV6 and 11), which are low-risk. What most Norman folks don’t know is that HPV is also responsible for causing cervical cancer (HPV16 and 18) and oral cancer.

In fact, HPV 16 is now considered the leading cause of oral cancer in America. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are also major risk factors, but they do not have as much of a proven causative effect on the development of oral cancer as human papillomavirus.

HPV & Dental Health

If you are worried about getting oral cancer, don’t fret! We at Proud to Serve Family Dentistry have the expertise and the technology to identify any areas of concern, track problems, and make sure that diagnosis happens as early as possible. If you would like to come in for an oral cancer screening from Dr. Audrey, contact us today!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Testimonials

I highly recommend Dr. Audrey! I've had to have 3 amalgam fillings and a root canal tooth removed in the last few months. I chose her because she's... read more

Stacey S.

Dr. Audrey is great! After taking my kids to several other dentists who were horrible, it is so nice to go to a dentist I can trust. She is open to... read more

Janae M.

Dr. May-Jones Is an excellent dentist. During my most recent appointment she was breaking in a new assistant and not only was her work great but she... read more

Greg H.

I have been coming to see this dentist for almost a year. I have stayed because she is good and you can tell she cares for her patients. She also... read more

Penny M.

Dr. May-Jones is friendly and so incredibly knowledgeable. She is also very affordable. She has a true interest in helping people, not just chasing... read more

Karri B.

Stacey S.

I highly recommend Dr. Audrey! I've had to have 3 amalgam fillings and a root canal tooth removed in the last few months. I chose her because she's SMART certified with the IAOMT, she's a holistic dentist and her great reviews. Her office is clean and the staff is super friendly. I've seen my health improve since having the amalgams removed - the numbing/tingling in my face is almost completely gone and now I'm able to continue with my heavy metal detox safely!

Janae M.

Dr. Audrey is great! After taking my kids to several other dentists who were horrible, it is so nice to go to a dentist I can trust. She is open to more natural health choices, which is a huge plus. Also, she doesn't push unnecessary procedures just to make more money, like most other dentists. Having a trust-worthy dentist is so valuable, especially when you are dealing with dental issues. The staff and hygienists are also very friendly and do great work. I highly recommend them!

Greg H.

Dr. May-Jones Is an excellent dentist. During my most recent appointment she was breaking in a new assistant and not only was her work great but she was kind and patient to her staff. I have seen the other side of that coin and, especially in today’s environment, I appreciate her attitude along with her work.

Penny M.

I have been coming to see this dentist for almost a year. I have stayed because she is good and you can tell she cares for her patients. She also provides quality care which shows in her work. The staff are friendly, too. I recommend coming to see her!!

Karri B.

Dr. May-Jones is friendly and so incredibly knowledgeable. She is also very affordable. She has a true interest in helping people, not just chasing a dollar. Very happy with my care!

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