HPV is the most common STD in Canada and causes about 80% of oral and oropharyngeal (cervical) cancers. There are different types of HPV, some cause benign warts (6&11), and others cause cancers (16&18). People with a history of oral HPV-16 infection are at a much higher risk of developing cervical cancer. There are vaccines available in Canada that are effective against HPV 16 & 18. By receiving this vaccine you are not only protecting yourself against cervical cancer but also against the development of oral cancer.
It is important that you are always open and honest with your dentist regarding your health history. If you have ever had the HPV virus, or suspect you may have been in contact with someone who has, it’s crucial you let your dentist know. You will be screened at every recall appointment, through an oral tactile and visual exam. At Eatonville dental it is the gold standard for surveillance for oral cancer, thus you will be asked about your HPV vaccine status and as always screened for oral cancer. A Panorex x-ray is taken every 3 years for all patients above the age of 16 to screen for oral cancer as well, as your regular family doctor does not do this screening as part of your physical exam. We can also do an in-office screening using Velscope if we notice any areas of concern.