New cases of STDs or sexually transmitted diseases affect a great number of the population; and some of them have no idea that they already are carriers of the infection. Some individuals affected with these infections can go on with their lives without the symptoms or signs of the disease. When symptoms start to show or develop from the sexually transmitted infections, it then becomes or is now considered a sexually transmitted disease.
STD carries a multitude of effects on the different parts of your entire body and your mouth is no exception. These are preventable which makes the right information and awareness is very important to avoid it. Sexually transmitted diseases can be cured but some of them are not and the only thing you and do is to treat or manage the symptoms. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis could help you be aware of any infections or diseases that could jeopardize your mouth.
Here are a few of the most common STD that can be passed on. This list can be your guide to avoid these infections.
HPV: Head and Neck Cancers. HPV is prevalent in the United States is the most common type of sexually transmitted disease. There are types of HPV’s that the immune system can fight off and eliminate from the body without causing any health conditions. On the other hand, a certain strain of HPV is a high risk factor to having cancer of the head and neck. The cancer cells develop on the throat, base of the tongue, and the tonsils which are harder to detect. This makes dental check-ups vital to early detection and treatment to have better outcomes.
HPV: Mouth Warts. The existing of warts on your throat and mouth is also an indicator of having HPV strain that are low-risk and treatable. These lesions are not painless and non-cancerous. The low-risk strains of HPV can have little to no signs and symptoms. Your dentist can recommend medication to help them disappear or you can have them surgically removed.
Herpes. The strains of herpes called herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 are highly contagious and both having no cure. They can be contracted through the saliva and contact with sores. Outbreaks of lesions that can appear clear, pink, yellow, or red and can be painful when popped. They usually heal within 2 weeks and can cause pain when you eat or swallow. Your dentist can give you a prescription to deal with the pain. It is best to talk to your doctor on how to manage the disease.
Syphilis. The presence of sores on the lips, tip of the tongue, at the back of the mouth, and near the tonsils or the chancres are early symptoms of having syphilis. These turn to open sores that are often painful. This can go away even if you get untreated but you could still infect others with syphilis. Your dentist can refer you to a physician to undergo tests and treatment as syphilis can cause heart and brain damage if left untreated for a very long time.