From the Guidelines
HPV can potentially be transmitted through mouth-to-mouth kissing, although the risk is considered to be relatively low compared to other forms of sexual contact. The transmission of oral HPV infection appears to be correlated with increasing number of oral sexual partners and possibly with open-mouth kissing, as noted in the study published in Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery 1. According to this study, the prevalence of oral HPV infection is 5- to 10-fold lower than that of genital infection, and most oral HPV infections are eradicated by the immune system in 9 to 12 months.
Key points to consider regarding HPV transmission and prevention include:
- The risk of HPV transmission through mouth-to-mouth kissing increases with open-mouth kissing and when one person has active oral HPV infections 1.
- Most oral HPV infections clear on their own within two years without causing problems, but some high-risk types can persist and potentially lead to oropharyngeal cancers.
- Prevention methods include limiting the number of kissing and sexual partners, practicing good oral hygiene, and getting the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for both males and females ideally before becoming sexually active.
- The HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil 9, can help prevent certain types of HPV that can cause oropharyngeal cancers, and is typically given as a two-dose series for those who start before age 15, and a three-dose series for those who start later 1.
It's essential to note that while condoms and dental dams can help reduce HPV transmission during oral sex, they cannot completely eliminate the risk during kissing since the virus can be present on areas not covered by these barriers, as mentioned in the study 1. Therefore, practicing good oral hygiene and getting the HPV vaccine are crucial steps in preventing HPV transmission, especially for individuals who are sexually active or plan to become sexually active in the future.
From the Research
HPV Transmission
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent infection that is easily and unknowingly transmitted because of its asymptomatic nature and long incubation period 2.
- Infection requires skin-to-skin contact and is typically sexually transmitted 2.
- The majority of sexually active individuals becomes infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) at least once in their lifetime 3.
Oral Transmission
- Transmission of HPV to the oral cavity and oropharynx is hypothesised to occur mainly through sexual contact 3.
- Transmission of particles through saliva has not been proven and daily living activities are not a documented source of HPV infection 3.
- Transmission of HPV to the oral cavity (autoinoculation with fingers or transmission through saliva in deep kissing) is probably of limited importance 3.
Prevention and Vaccination
- HPV vaccines are safe and highly effective, if they are administered before exposure to HPV 4.
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown that HPV vaccination effectively prevents HPV infection, but also precancerous lesions of the anogenital tract and genital warts 4.
- HPV vaccines are highly immunogenic and well tolerated, and population effectiveness is now being demonstrated for these vaccines in countries with high vaccine coverage 5.