Could the HPV Vaccine Decrease My Child’s Risk of Oral Cancer?
Posted on July 13th, 2024
At Dassani Dentistry, 
our bad news is usually limited to the diagnosis of a dental infection we can treat without much difficulty. We’d like to keep it that way, which is why we may broach more sensitive subjects at times—specifically around the ages of 11 and 12, when doctors might recommend a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
What relevance does this subject have when it comes to dentistry? Dassani Dentistry performs oral cancer screenings during each examination, and HPV has been named the #1 risk factor of oral cancer in recent years. While it’s rarely diagnosed in children, we practice prevention and want Houston, TX parents to have all the information they need to ensure their child is healthy and happy for many years to come!
Does the HPV Vaccine Prevent Oral Cancer?
There are over 100 strains of HPV, and currently 14 of them are known to cause cancer (also called high-risk strains). The most common type of cancer diagnosed with the high-risk strains is cervical, and while the vaccine was created to halt its prevalence, it’s possible it may also prevent head and neck cancers.
Please contact Dassani Dentistry if you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer risks or any other dental topic. We’re here to be a source of knowledge and support for you and your loved ones, and we hope to smile with you soon!
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
About Meghna Dassani, DMD
Dr. Meghna Dassani received her initial dental training from the University of Mumbai, India, where she graduated in 1996 as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). After working as an associate for one year, she established her own practice in Mumbai, India. She successfully operated this practice for six years prior to moving to the US. When Dr. Meghna Dassani is not in the office she is at home being a mommy to her 2 beautiful girls and enjoying time relaxing with her husband. Since opening her own practice in 2011 she doesn’t have a lot of free time but when the time allows she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, visiting with friends and family and of course SHOPPING with a Starbucks in her hand!
