SEX & ORAL HYGIENE

ORAL-GENITAL CONTACT:

Which disease can be transferred? What do we and our children need to know?
How can dentistry assist with prevention and dealing with sexually transmitted diseases?

To talk freely in public about oral sex used to be a taboo subject in Greek society, even if that person was a doctor. At the VSmile dental clinic we consider that oral - genital contact is a frequent act of love between heterosexual and homosexual couples, and we should put aside any biases and be properly informed about the dangers, even life-threatening ones, that can be involved. We also believe that knowledge, not only has benefits for each person, but can also a moral obligation of the parents towards their children to inform them and therefore protect them once they start their sexual lives.

Which diseases can be transferred during oral-genital contact?

Most Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) can be transferred through oral contact with the genitals. Let's see some of the main diseases:
HERPES: The simple herpes virus HPV espcially favours the conditions of oral sex and can easily be transferred from one partnet to the other. There are two types of herpes and transfer during contact when the disease has already manifested or a short time before and afterwards. It is known by small blisters on the mouth, lips or genitals and leaves small painful ulcers and is characterised by remissions and exacerbation.
AIDS: Despite the fact that the AIDS virus has been proven that it can be transmitted via oral sex, it's importance is underestimated. The transmission probability is lower but it is greatly increased by the presence of cuts, ulcers, wounds or ejaculation in the oral cavity or the recipient
HPV: O papilloma virus is spread by oral-genital contact and is responsible for the increase in cancer of the larynx cases and about 50% of all oral cancers.
HEPATISIS: The possiblity of the transmission of hepatisis B and C through oral sex is real, but relatively low and increases in those patients who have AIDS. The transmission of hepatisis A, however, is very likely is oral-anal intercourse is almost a certainty because the virus is present in large quantities in the faeces of diseased.
CHLAMYDIA: Chlamydia may pass during oral-genital contact and appears 1-3 weeks after infection. They occur in the mouth or throat, especially after fellatio
GONORRHEA: The gonococcus that causes vlenorroia can easily spread into the throat during oral contact, especially to the toungue. It causes inflammation with pain, puss and a feeling of "burning in the throat", and swollen lymph nodes.
SYPHILIS: Syphilis is transmitted by direct oral-genital contact with the person suffering from the disease. The areas involved usually are the tongue, the soft palate and lips. A round, usually painless, slightly egotistical, red ulcer appears at the entry point 2-5 weeks after the infection occurs and is usually followed by ipsilateral lymphadenitis, and then will show in the genitals

WHO ARE AT HIGH RISKS FOR THESE DISEASES?
If there are any wounds, ulcers or peridontal disease then the person is at much higher risk for contracting any of the diseases above through oral-genital contact. Age is not a relevant factors, the same risk levels applies to all sexually active age groups that are exposed to the disease. Younger persons are at higher risk, not because of their age but because they change sexual partners more frequently and their tendency to engage in oral contact more often. Women and homosexual men are more at risk as fellatio is easier to transmit the disease rather than cunnilingus. Finally studies have shown that STDs transmit easier to those who have a lowered immuned system or a pre-existing sexually transmitted disease.

HOW CAN ORAL SEX BE SAFE?
In accordance with the Disease Control Center in the USA, there are certain measures that can be taken to prevent or reduce the chance of transmission of STDs via oral sex:

By using a condom
By avoiding ejaculation in the oral cavity
Avoiding oral sex when blood is present, cuts, wounds or periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis
Avoiding oral sex with strangers or people with STDs
Immunisation for hepatisis A and B in children and adults, and vaccination for HPV in young people before they begin their sexual lives

Please note at this point that the use of mouthwashes or other antiseptics before or after contact has not been proven to reduce the danger of contraction of sexually transmitted diseases.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD PARENTS SPEAK WITH AND INFORM THEIR CHILDREN?

Sexual education should start at the age where the child is becoming aware of themselves, initally with simple messages that become more complex over time. Oral sex and the danger involves should not be a topic that is discussed at young ages. In accordance with the study done by the A.Kyriakou hospital, regarding teenage health, children in Greece begin thier sexual activities at an average age of 14.5 years old. Parents need to analytically inform their children regarding this subject between 13-14 years old. The aim is for the children to understand how easily sexually transmitted diseases can be transferred through oral sex and that this can be castrophic even for thier lives. They need to be taught regardinf the ways in whihc they can protect themselves, mainly with the use of condoms.

WHY REGULAR DENTAL CHECK-UPS WITH YOUR DENTIST CAN HELP PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Regular dental check-ups can be used a method for preventing the transmission of STDs. The treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, of pericoronitis, abscesses and fistulas and restoration of old bridges, dentures and fillings, which injure the tongue and cheeks, are just some of the dental treatments that prevent the presence of blood, wounds and ulcers in the oral cavity. This helps reduce the possible entry points for bacteria and viruses from vaginal fluids or sperm in the oral cavity. Alongside this the dentist is very often the first person to detect problems in the mouth that are linked to sexually transmitted disease, beofre they appear on other parts of the body and the patient is aware that they have contracted something.
Early diagnosis and referral to a specialist for treatment can in many cases can even save the life of the patient.


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