STDs and the DDS
Among the more dangerous myths in existence today is that oral sex is a disease-free alternative to intercourse. The fact is, not only can oral-genital contact lead to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it can – depending on the disease be harder to spot and more difficult to treat. According to a study published recently in General Dentistry, the peer reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, dentists may be able to recognize the oral symptoms of an STD and instruct their patients to see a physician for diagnosis.
According to the study’s author, Larry N. William, DDS, MAGD, 60% of surveyed college students do not equate oral-genital contact with sex, and more than 55% of teenagers admitted to engaging in oral sexual acts.
While as many as 90% of those who contract the oral component of an STD such as gonorrhea may be asymptomatic, the remaining 10% exhibit symptoms such as gum swelling and discharge and some bleeding. These symptoms closely resemble those of another disease, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) also known as trench mouth or Vincent’s disease, a painful bacterial infection and ulceration of the gums. However, NUG, unlike gonorrhea, has a foul odor.
Of the 600,000 cases of gonorrhea reported to the CDC, 25% of those with genital gonorrhea may have an oral component.
“Treatment for an oral component to an STD usually includes an oral antibiotic, an intra-muscular antibiotic, and an oral antibiotic rinse,” Dr. William said. “The dentist should be proactive and advise the patient to seek medical care. If the dentist suspects the patient has an oral STD, then the patient probably has it elsewhere as well.”
