Your Cairns Dentist shares what you need to know about oral sex and oral hygiene

 

This month, as we celebrate love – Valentine’s Day, let’s get informed about the risks of unprotected oral sex, learn how to protect ourselves, the importance of proper contraception, and what to do if you have STI symptoms. 

We know that sexual health and oral health are closely connected, yet this link is often overlooked or even worse never spoken about. 

Most of us were taught in school about using condoms to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse, but fewer people consider protection during oral sex. The truth is that many STIs can be transmitted orally, posing risks not just to your overall health but also to your mouth, teeth, and throat. 

For example, an untreated STI oral infection can impact your gums, and cause sores in the mouth. HPV can even contribute to life-threatening conditions like mouth cancer. 

Protection is still important 

While there’s no risk of pregnancy during oral sex, the risks to your health are real and significant. Some of the most common STIs can be passed through oral sex, and these infections can have serious consequences if left untreated. 

Even though the risk of transmission is lower compared to vaginal or anal sex, STIs can still be spread during oral sex, affecting both your sexual health and oral health.  

Common STIs spread through oral sex 

STIs such as chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can all be transmitted through oral sex. These infections can spread from the mouth to the genitals or anus, or vice versa. 

1. Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is particularly concerning because it often has no symptoms (affecting 70% of women and 50% of men), yet it can cause significant health and fertility issues if untreated. 

2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 

Herpes is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It cannot currently be cured, meaning lifelong management may be needed. 

3. HPV (human papillomavirus) 

HPV is well-known for causing cervical, penile, and testicular cancers, however, it is also one of the most common causes of mouth cancer. This is why we strongly advocate for HPV vaccination and encourage everyone eligible to get the vaccine. 

Oral health professionals are seeing more cases of mouth cancer linked to HPV, making it essential to highlight the risks of unprotected oral sex and the importance of preventative measures. 

Protecting yourself against STIs when having oral sex 

The best way to avoid contracting an STI is to avoid sexual activity altogether. However, if you are sexually active, use barrier contraception like condoms and dental dams to lower the risk of bodily fluids passing between partners. 

Condoms and dental dams can significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission and protect both your sexual and oral health. 

You can access free condoms at your closest community health centre or speak to your healthcare service providers.

1. Condoms 

Condoms are widely known as a method of protection, but they are often underused during oral sex because they are primarily associated with pregnancy prevention. 

A condom should completely cover the penis, be disposed of after use, and be replaced between oral and penetrative sex. 

2. Dental dams 

Dental dams are thin latex or polyurethane sheets that can be used to cover the vulva and vagina or the anus during oral sex. While less common and sometimes expensive, they are an effective barrier against STIs.  

You can also create a dental dam from a condom by cutting off the tip and ring, then slicing down the middle and unfolding it. 

Avoid using condoms with spermicide to create dental dams, as spermicide shouldn’t be ingested. Flavoured condoms are a safer choice because they are generally spermicide-free. 

Dental dams, like condoms, should be used only once, disposed of after use, and not flipped over during oral sex to prevent contamination. 

Other steps to protect your oral health 

In addition to using protection, you can take other steps to safeguard your oral and overall health during oral sex: 

• Avoid oral sex if you have cuts, sores, a sore throat, or a mouth/throat infection. 

• Avoid sexual contact if your partner has visible sores, ulcers, or lumps on their genitals, mouth, or anal area. 

• Do not brush or floss your teeth immediately before or after oral sex, as this creates tiny abrasions in your gums that bacteria can enter. Instead, rinse with water or a mouthwash. 

What to do if you think you have an STI ?

If you are sexually active, you should get a sexual health check at least once a year and between new partners, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Regular checks are essential for catching STIs early and preventing complications. You can visit your GP, sexual health clinics in, or community-based testing sites. Home testing kits are also available in some areas. 

If you think you may have contracted an STI from oral sex, or notice symptoms in your mouth, throat, genitals, or anus, book a sexual health check as soon as possible. Many STIs are treatable with early diagnosis, but delaying treatment can lead to serious health risks. 

If you are diagnosed with an STI, inform your current and past sexual partners so they can also get tested and treated if needed. It might feel awkward, but it’s essential for protecting their health and that of others. 

Why is it important to talk about this? 

At Cairns Dental Boutique, we are committed to raising awareness about how oral health connects with overall well-being. This includes highlighting the risks of unprotected oral sex and the link between STIs, including the link between HPV and mouth cancer. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, and taking care of it is vital for living a healthy life. 

As advocates for mouth cancer prevention, we encourage everyone to get the HPV vaccine if eligible, practice safe sex, and maintain regular dental and sexual health check-ups. By protecting your sexual health, you are also protecting your oral health – and that’s something worth smiling about. 

Stay informed. Stay protected. Stay healthy. 

Get in touch with your Cairns dentist to schedule an appointment or discuss any questions you may have about your oral health. We’re here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier you!