Dental Tips | STDs | Part 1 | Do You See Anything Unusual in Your Mouth
Video summary and context
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect the mouth or throat. Gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and other infections can be transmitted during oral sex and often cause no visible symptoms.
A change in the mouth alone does not confirm an STI. Sores, lumps, warts, patches, a persistent sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes can have very different causes. If you notice a lesion that does not improve, avoid self-medication and request a medical or dental evaluation.
Prevention and follow-up
Using barriers such as a condom or dental dam during oral sex reduces risk, although it does not eliminate it completely.
HPV vaccination can prevent infections from the types included in the vaccine; discuss its suitability with your healthcare professional.
Testing and treatment depend on the type of exposure and each infection; there is no single test for all oral STIs.
Sources consulted
This content is educational and does not replace an individual dental evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should be determined after a professional assessment.
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