Understanding HPV, its connection to oral health, and the importance of prevention.
HPV Educational Resources
Explore the resources below to learn more about HPV, HPV-related cancers, prevention and the important role of oral health professionals in promoting awareness.
These downloadable fact sheets and educational materials provide information for dental hygienists and members of the public.
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is a very common virus that can infect the skin and moist tissues of the body, including the mouth and throat. Most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives.
How do you get HPV in your mouth or throat?
Oral HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin and sexual contact, including oral sex. It may also be transmitted through other close intimate contact.
Does having HPV mean I have cancer?
No. Most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system and never cause cancer. A small percentage of infections with certain high-risk HPV types can persist for years and eventually contribute to cancer.
Can HPV cause oral cancer?
Certain high-risk HPV types—particularly HPV-16—are associated with cancers of the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils and base of the tongue. This is different from many cancers occurring in the front portion of the mouth.
If I have HPV, does that mean my partner cheated?
No. HPV can remain undetected for many years, and it is usually impossible to determine when or from whom an infection was acquired.
Can my dental hygienist tell if I have HPV?
A routine dental hygiene examination cannot determine whether you have an HPV infection. However, dental hygienists examine the mouth and surrounding tissues for abnormalities and can identify changes that may require further investigation or referral.
Is there a routine test for oral HPV?
Unlike cervical HPV screening, there is currently no recommended routine screening test for oral HPV in people without symptoms.
What does an oral cancer screening involve?
Your dental hygienist examines the tissues inside your mouth and may also assess your tongue, throat area, lips, head and neck for unusual changes, lumps, sores or other abnormalities.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Changes that persist for more than two weeks should be assessed. These can include a sore that doesn’t heal, a persistent sore throat or hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, unexplained ear pain, a lump in the neck, or an unusual red or white area in the mouth.
Can I get HPV even if I've only had one sexual partner?
Yes. HPV is extremely common, and exposure can occur even with a single partner.
Does smoking increase my risk?
Tobacco and heavy alcohol use are important risk factors for head and neck cancers. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are important ways to reduce cancer risk.
Can the HPV vaccine help prevent these cancers?
The HPV vaccine prevents infection with HPV types responsible for many HPV-related cancers. Evidence also shows substantially lower rates of oral infection with vaccine-targeted HPV types among vaccinated individuals.
Am I too old to get the HPV vaccine?
That depends on your age, vaccination history and individual circumstances. Patients who weren’t vaccinated when younger can discuss whether vaccination may still be appropriate with their physician, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare provider.
Should I be worried if my dental hygienist finds something?
Not necessarily. Many changes in the mouth are not cancerous. The important thing is to investigate an unexplained abnormality that doesn’t resolve rather than ignoring it.
How can I lower my risk?
HPV vaccination, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, practising safer sex, maintaining good oral health, attending regular oral health examinations, and having persistent or unusual changes assessed can all contribute to prevention and early detection.