The Oral Health Foundation is encouraging everyone to spread knowledge, support prevention, and advocate for a future where HPV-related diseases are a thing of the past on HPV Awareness Day, March 4.

HPV Awareness Day is a global initiative to increase knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its impact on health.

Even though HPV is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, misinformation and a lack of awareness continue to put lives at risk. The Oral Health Foundation has urged the public to take action by learning more about the risks of HPV and how to protect themselves.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 200 types, with some causing harmless warts and others linked to serious health conditions, including cervical, mouth, anal, and other cancers. High-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.

Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, said, “HPV is incredibly common, and while most infections clear up on their own, persistent high-risk strains can lead to life-threatening diseases. Raising awareness about HPV’s link to mouth cancer is critical in improving early detection and prevention.”

HPV and oral health

Beyond its well-known link to cervical cancer, HPV is a growing concern in oral health. Mouth cancer (often affecting the back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils) has been rising sharply in recent years, with HPV being a leading cause. This highlights the importance of early detection, vaccination, and regular dental check-ups as part of overall health monitoring.

Nigel said, “The rise in HPV-related mouth cancers means that we need to be more vigilant than ever. Regular dental visits are vital for spotting early signs of abnormalities that may indicate HPV-related cancer. The sooner we detect these changes, the better the chances of successful treatment.”

The role of vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing infection. It is highly effective in protecting against the most dangerous strains of HPV and is recommended for boys and girls before they become sexually active. In the UK, the HPV vaccine is offered to adolescents aged 12 to 13, but it is also available to adults who may have missed it.

The Oral Health Foundation supports efforts to increase HPV vaccination uptake and is calling for better public awareness campaigns. It has stressed that vaccination is one of the best defences against HPV-related diseases and encourage people of all ages to check if they are eligible.

Early detection and regular check-ups

While there is no routine HPV screening for oral infections, regular dental check-ups play a key role in early detection. Dentists are trained to spot early signs of abnormalities in the mouth and throat, which can lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

Nigel said, “Dentists are on the front line of oral cancer detection. We urge everyone to attend regular check-ups and to seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual in their mouth, such as mouth ulcers that do not heal, lumps, swellings or difficulty swallowing.”

Raising awareness

According to the Oral Health Foundation, one of the biggest barriers to HPV prevention is the stigma surrounding the virus. HPV is not a reflection of someone’s lifestyle choices – it is an infection that affects nearly everyone at some point. Open conversations, education, and widespread vaccination are essential in reducing HPV-related diseases and saving lives.

The charity has said it is committed to tackling this stigma by providing reliable information and support. Its mission is to empower people with knowledge and encourage positive action to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases.

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