Oral Sex Linked to the Rise of Oral Cancer

At Cosmetic Dentists of Houston, we take oral cancer very seriously. Dr. Amanda Canto offers free oral cancer screenings and lectures to Houston school kids about the link between HPV and oral cancer and the increased risk of transmission through oral sex.

Oral Cancer Linked to HPV

Recent studies are linking increased exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV, or genital warts) – a very common sexually transmitted virus – with increased risk of oral cancer. HPV can be transmitted from person to person through any type of genital-to-genital contact as well as oral sex.¹ Exposure to the HPV virus is known to increase risk of cervical cancer in women, and now we understand that it also dramatically increases your risk for oral cancer.

“Oral cancer is linked to the HPV virus and can be spread through oral sex. Young people need to know about this and protect themselves. Education and early detection are critical.”
~Dr. Canto

HPV and Oral Cancer: Get the Facts

oral cancer

Oral Cancer is on the Rise:

Today, oral cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States, especially in the younger population, where it is believed to be increasing via HPV exposure.

HPV is Very Common:

It is estimated that 75% of the population is affected by the human papillomavirus at some point in their lives. Most people do not know they have it, or have ever had it.

A History of HPV Increases Oral Cancer Risk:

Any prior infection with HPV-16 increases your risk for oral cancer by 9-fold, and a history of oral HPV increases risk for oral cancer 50-fold.¹

Who Is “At Risk” for Oral Cancer?

Smokers and tobacco users of any kind (including snuff, chewing tobacco, pipes, cigars and cigarettes)
Alcohol Users
People with a previous history of oral cancer
Populations exposed to HPV
Everyone

What YOU Can Do:

Learn more about oral cancer and HPV.
Educate your children about the risks of exposure to HPV.
Get screened regularly.
Educate your dentist (if you have to!).

Younger Populations Are at Risk:

Previously, it was believed that 75% of oral cancer was found in people who were heavy smokers or alcohol users. However, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation:

“Younger, non-smoking patients under the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population….This HPV 16-18 presence, makes determination of at risk populations much more difficult, and opportunistic screening of ALL patients must become the norm if the death rate is to be reduced.²

Learn More About Oral Cancer and HVP

Read Mt. Sinai Hospital’s Human HPV and Throat/Oral Cancer FAQ ³

Read the Genital HPV Infection Fact Sheet¹

Get Yourself Screened

In Houston? Call Cosmetic Dentists of Houston today at 713-622-1977 or email info@houstondental.com to schedule a Free Oral Cancer Screening with Dr. Amanda Canto, DDS.

Out of Town? Visit our Nationwide Oral Cancer Screening Directory to find a dentist who offers free oral cancer screenings near you?