Scientists link mouth cancer to sexually transmitted virus London – Arab Today Scientists have linked a sexually transmitted virus linked to oral health problems, according to research published in the Cancer Prevention Research. The findings showed the human Papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted via oral sex, was found to be associated with gum disease, tooth loss and other dental problems.
According to the study, those who said they had poor oral health had more than twice the number of HPV infections, around 56 percent, a number similar to those who had gum disease (51 per cent).  The research also highlighted a link between tooth loss and HPV.
More concerning is the virus’ link to mouth cancer.  Experts suggest it may rival tobacco and alcohol as a key risk factor within 10 years. In the UK, around one in five mouth cancer cases are predicted to be as a result of the HPV infection.
HPV is usually associated with cervical cancer in women.  Both the number of sexual partners a person has throughout their lifetime, along with their age at sexual debut, has been associated with sexually-transmitted HPV. As the majority of HPV cases are seen in younger people, there has been a dramatic fall in the age of the average mouth cancer sufferer.
Dr Nigel Carter, from the British Dental Health Foundation said, “Good oral health should be a cornerstone of everyone’s daily routine. The research suggests keeping this infection at bay is relatively simple. All it involves is a good oral health routine, but there is an even bigger issue to consider. The HPV infection is very common and is a major reason mouth cancer cases have soared over the last 30 years. Our knowledge of HPV remains relatively low, which suggests there is not enough awareness of the risks we take with multiple sexual partners”.