Introduction to Viral Infections in the Mouth

One of the challenges in managing dental health is controlling viral infections of the lips and other soft tissues.  Viruses are contagious and, once an infection has occurred, the virus remains present in tissue cells, even though the symptoms are gone, and can recur in the future.  There are two broad forms of viral infections in the mouth.

·         Herpes, type I, is the common cold sore.  It can occur on the lips, in the nose, on the palate and inside the cheeks.  When a flare-up occurs, it takes over a week to go away.  In severe cases, multiple sores occur and systemic anti-viral medications are used.  The single sores are more common and can be treated with ointments.

Newer technology now offers quicker relief for these uncomfortable occurrences.  According to Gary Steen, DDS, principal dentist at Centercare Dental Group in Phoenix, application of laser energy to these infected areas is now offering more choices than ever.  Patients are experiencing relief in hours or days instead of a week or more.

·         Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is the second viral infection that shows up regularly in the mouth.  This virus, which is transmitted orally or sexually, shows up in small bumps on the gums or in the throat and is in fact a wart.  These areas are typically less inflamed than the Herpes sores and can be very silent.  The medications used with the Herpes virus are not effective against HPV.

 Dr. Steen reports that Centercare Dental Group now offers a DNA test for the presence of HPV in saliva.  He says that as more research is done we know now that many oral cancers start from these warts and for that reason, and for contagion reasons, he recommends removing them.  This allows the wart to be biopsied to confirm the diagnosis and hopefully avoid future occurrences.  In this case, lasers would not be used.  Instead the biopsy is performed with electro surgery or with a scalpel to preserve the specimen.

Viral sores can range from simple discomfort to actual risk of dangerous conditions over time.  Quick treatment is good treatment, and in both cases it is simple and inexpensive and can dramatically change the outcome of the infection.

Dr. Steen can be reached at 602-252-2800 and e-mailed at smile@centercare.net .  The website is www.centercare.net .  You are welcome to call with questions.