The HPV Vaccine and Oral Health: What to Know at 11 to 12 About Throat Cancer

HPV causes not only cervical cancer but also cancer at the back of the mouth and throat. Why the US advises the vaccine at 11 to 12 for all kids, and what to watch.

When people hear "HPV vaccine," many think of a cervical cancer shot for girls. But this vaccine is also tied to the health of the mouth and throat, and dentists support it too. Here's why a vaccine comes up in a dental article, and when and for whom it's recommended. It's a good one to read and talk about with your child.

HPV can affect the mouth and throat

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. Most of the time, the body clears it on its own, but sometimes it lingers and can lead to cancer.

The best-known cancer caused by HPV is cervical cancer. But HPV can also cause oropharyngeal cancer, which forms in the back of the mouth and throat. The oropharynx is the area you see deep inside when the mouth is open, like the back of the tongue, the tonsils, and the area around the uvula. So unlike cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer affects both boys and girls.

That's why the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recommend HPV vaccination. Dentists, who look closely at the mouth, support it too.

The US CDC recommends vaccination at ages 11 to 12 for both boys and girls (it can start at age 9). There's a reason for this age. A vaccine works best when it's given before any exposure to the virus. At this age, kids are very unlikely to have been exposed yet, which makes it a good time to vaccinate. You might think, "Already? They're still so young." But getting it ahead of time is the whole point of a vaccine. Who is covered by national vaccination programs, and at what age, differs by country. Check the guidelines where you live.

Here's how to check the vaccine schedule

1. Start by checking your child's vaccine records to see whether they've had the HPV vaccine.
2. If not, talk with the pediatrician about a schedule. They can also tell you how many doses are needed and when.
3. Vaccination is recommended for both boys and girls. Don't skip it just because you have a son.

Talk calmly with your child about why it matters. Not liking shots is natural. Rather than scaring them, explain it simply, like "This shot protects you ahead of time from an illness you could get later." That makes it easier for kids to accept. If they have lots of questions, it's also great to let them ask the pediatrician directly.

Along with the vaccine, it helps to talk about habits that protect the mouth. Tobacco is a major risk factor for diseases of the mouth and throat. Talk ahead of time so your child doesn't start smoking or vaping in the teen years.

A common misconception among parents is "The vaccine is done, so checkups aren't needed." The vaccine helps prevent HPV-related disease, but it can't watch for other changes in the mouth. At regular checkups, the dentist looks not just at the teeth but at the soft tissues of the mouth too.

There's something you can do at home as well. Encourage your child, while brushing, to look in the mirror now and then at the top and sides of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and the gums. Knowing what their mouth normally looks like makes it easy to notice when something changes. Most mouth sores heal on their own within a few days, but it's important not to ignore one that lasts.

Frequently asked questions

Talk with the dentist or pediatrician when

• There's a sore in the mouth or throat that hasn't healed in 2 weeks
• A lump you can feel in the mouth or throat has stayed for more than 2 weeks
• You're not sure whether your child has had the HPV vaccine (pediatrician)
• You have questions about the vaccine schedule or how well it works (dentist or pediatrician)

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A guide to the decisions behind dental care

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The information in this article is for general educational purposes and does not replace professional dental care. Talk to a dentist about your child's condition.

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