Human papillomavirus infections in the oral mucosa

Persistent HPV infection in the oral mucosa might increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Regular and meticulous clinical examination is the dentist's most important tool in detecting HPV-associated changes in the oral mucosae. HPV-associated oral cancer may affect a population younger than that typically affected by HPV-independent oral cancer. Alcohol and tobacco use increase the risk of developing oral cancer, so good practice includes encouraging patients to avoid these habits. The availabel HPV vaccines cover the HPV genotypes found most commonly in the oral mucosa, but their protective effect against oral cancer remains to be elucidated.