It’s known that HPV can affect the oral cavity, the mucosa that internally lines the cheeks, the gums, and even could extend further back and reach the oropharynx. But what about teeth? Can HPV affect teeth?
In this article, we will explain whether you can have HPV on your teeth, and what you should consider if you’ve been diagnosed with HPV in the mouth.
Índice
No, HPV does not affect the teeth
First off, it’s important to clarify that there are no reports of dental human papillomavirus cases. This really isn’t surprising, and we’ll tell you why… It’s all due to the action of this virus and its affinity for a specific type of cell in our body.
First of all, HPV is a virus. This means that, to survive and replicate, it must infect living cells. And HPV typically and almost exclusively targets the cells of mucous membranes, specifically epithelial cells.
This is why the manifestation of its characteristic warts occurs in areas like the skin, the vaginal, anal, and rectal mucosa, the uterine cervix, and the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.
Teeth don’t have epithelium or mucosa. Although they do have cells, known as odontoblasts and ameloblasts, these do not resemble epithelial cells at all. Instead, they are responsible for forming certain specialized tissues of the tooth, such as dentin or cementum.
For these simple reasons, HPV does not affect the teeth. At most, it affects the surrounding tissues of the oral cavity.
Oral HPV and its implications
Okay, having clarified the impossibility of having HPV on the teeth, let’s talk about places where you can have HPV, such as gums, lip mucosa, tongue, among others. This specifically refers to the manifestation of this disease in the oral cavity.
Warts on the gums might alter the appearance of your teeth, covering or even slightly shifting teeth, creating gaps between them.
If this is the case for you, it’s important to see a dentist so they can assess the extent of the warts and a possible pharmacological treatment.
Oral HPV can be acquired in various ways, but the most common is through oro-genital contact. That is, during oral sex.
Another possible form of transmission, especially in children, is vertical transmission from mother to child, during childbirth or in utero.
What to do if warts appear in the mouth?
If you notice the appearance of warts in any of the aforementioned areas, it’s best to see a doctor.
Generally, people with HPV do not show symptoms or signs and, when they do, it’s because their immune system isn’t functioning as it should.
Therefore, treatment against HPV, beyond removing warts through anti-wart creams, acids, or surgery, is mainly based on strengthening the immune system so it can fight the virus.
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Sources:
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/hiv-aids-and-stds/dental-care-hpv-and-men
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/all-topics-a-z/hpv-and-oral-cancer
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hpv-in-the-mouth
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Wilson. Dr. Amy Wilson, born in the United States, obtained her medical degree from Lincoln University School of Medicine. Specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, she’s dedicated 15 years to women’s health, becoming a distinguished gynecologist and serving in various U.S. medical institutions.