Can you get HPV in your mouth?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 related viruses, each identified by a unique number or type. Most HPV infections are contracted through sexual activity, like vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and sharing sex toys.

While most HPV infections are harmless and go away on their own, some types can cause warts or even lead to cancer.

HPV is primarily known for causing genital warts and cervical cancer, but it can also affect other areas, such as the mouth and throat. Oral HPV infections are a growing concern because they can lead to oropharyngeal cancer, affecting the throat, tongue, and tonsils.

Most people who contract HPV don’t experience any symptoms and may not even know they have the virus.

There are around 40 strains of HPV that can infect the genital and oral mucosa (the moist tissues lining the mouth and throat). Around 10% of men and 3.6% of women will contract oral HPV in their lifetime.

Among these, certain strains are more commonly associated with oral infections. The most notable strain is HPV-16, which is considered high-risk due to its strong association with oropharyngeal cancers, including cancers of the base of the tongue and tonsils. In fact, HPV-16 is responsible for the majority of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.

Other strains that can affect the mouth include HPV-18, another high-risk type, and several low-risk types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, which are more likely to cause warts rather than cancer.

It’s important to note that while oral HPV infections are relatively common, the progression to cancer is rare. HPV causes an estimated 630,000 new cancer cases worldwide each year.

Many people get oral HPV by performing oral sex on a person with an HPV infection. This can include genital and anal stimulation.

You can also get an oral HPV infection through kissing. Some studies have suggested that open-mouthed kissing is associated with the spread of oral HPV from one person to another, especially among men.

If you contract oral HPV, the virus can affect the mouth and throat, often without causing any noticeable symptoms.

In many cases, the body’s immune system clears the infection on its own within two years. However, some people may develop symptoms, which can vary depending on the strain of HPV and the individual’s immune response.

Common symptoms of oral HPV include warts or lesions in the mouth or throat. These growths are typically small, hard, and painless and can appear on the tongue, lips, or the back of the throat. They may be white or flesh-coloured and can be either flat or raised.

As mentioned above, in rare cases, infection with a high-risk strain of HPV can lead to oropharyngeal cancer, which can affect the throat, tongue and tonsils. Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may include persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Oral warts caused by HPV can be treated, although the approach may vary depending on the size, location, and number of warts.

Common treatments for oral warts include:

1. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, which causes them to fall off. Cryotherapy is a common and effective treatment for warts on various parts of the body.
2. Surgical removal: In some cases, warts may be surgically removed using a scalpel, laser, or other surgical instruments. This method is typically used for larger or more persistent warts.
3. Topical treatments: Certain topical medications, such as trichloroacetic acid, can be applied directly to the warts to help dissolve them.
4. Electrosurgery: This technique uses an electric current to burn off the warts. It is another option for removing warts that are resistant to other treatments.

While these treatments can effectively remove warts, it’s important to note that they do not cure the underlying HPV infection. Most cases of warts do resolve on their own, so there may not be a need for surgical interventions.

Understanding oral HPV and its potential risks is crucial for maintaining good oral and overall health. While many HPV infections are harmless and resolve on their own, some can lead to more serious conditions, including cancer.

If you’re concerned about HPV infections and want to get tested, click the button below to book a sexual health test at a clinic near you.