The telltale sign you’ve recently had oral sex revealed – and your dentist can tell immediately
WORRIED about getting a telling off at the dentist for skipping the odd floss, or indulging in a few too many sweet treats?
It turns out that's not all they're on the lookout for. From biting your nails and smoking to thumb sucking and chewing on ice, dentists are trained to identify a range of issues that affect your oral hygiene - as well as your overall health.
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And that includes the more embarrassing ones too.
Dentists have revealed that in some cases they can spot if a patient has recently given oral sex to a man.
Dr Rohini Agarwal, a dentist at SmileCloud Family Dental, has over a decade of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry.
She said a condition known as palatal petechiae can be a telltale sign.
"A dentist may well notice certain signs in the mouth - although these aren't definitive proof of oral sex," she explained.
"Palatal petechiae describes small red spots on the roof of the mouth and can result from suction or trauma.
"But it's important to note they can also be caused by coughing, vomiting, or even eating hard foods."
The reddish spots associated with palatal petechiae are usually less than 2 mm in diameter and are generally painless and not itchy.
A report published in 2013 detailed a young woman who had given oral sex to a male and had "fellatio-associated palatal petechiae".
The authors said it can potentially occur in anyone who engages in receptive penile oral sex.
Dr Laura Geige, a cosmetic dermatology and facials specialist and GDC-registered dentist, also said in some cases she can spot if a patient has given oral sex.
She said: "The most common sign we see is palatal petechiae, small, red spots that appear on the soft palate due to minor trauma or suction.
"But other signs could include irritation in the back of the throat, redness, or even minor bruising, depending on intensity and frequency."
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Palatal petechiae isn't typically a cause for concern, said Dr Agarwal, and certainly doesn't indicate an increased risk of cancer.
It's often caused by coughing, vomiting, eating hard foods, and in some cases oral sex.
But Dr Geige noted it can sometimes be caused by serious infections like strep throat or a blood disorder.
A study conducted in 2016 examined 100 children and adolescents (4-17 years old) presenting with sore throat.
The researchers evaluated the accuracy of the Centor criteria (fever, tonsillar exudate, anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, and absence of cough) with and without the addition of palatal petechiae.
They found patients with palatal petechiae were more likely to have a positive throat culture for strep compared to those with only tonsillar exudates.
ONE of the greatest health risks from oral sex is sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There's a risk 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, cause sores in the mouth, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can even contribute to life-threatening conditions like mouth cancer.
The most common STIs spread through oral sex are:
- Chlamydia
- HPV
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
In the UK, it's estimated that around 35 out of 100 mouth cancers are linked to HPV, according to Cancer Research UK.
Symptoms of mouth cancer can affect any part of your mouth including the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or lips.
Symptoms can include:
- a mouth ulcer in your mouth that lasts more than three weeks
- a red or white patch inside your mouth
- a lump inside your mouth or on your lip
- pain inside your mouth
- difficulty swallowing
- difficulty speaking or a hoarse (croaky) voice
- a lump in your neck or throat
- losing weight without trying
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your GP.
Symptoms may also be picked up during a routine dental check up.
To protect yourself from STIs during oral sex, using a condom or dental dam is the most effective method.
Source: Oral Health Foundation /NHS
The addition of palatal petechiae to the Centor criteria improved the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of strep throat in the study population.
A blood disorder known as thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of palatal petechiae - a condition where there are fewer platelets than normal in the blood.
Low platelet levels interfere with blood clotting, leading to easy bruising and bleeding, including petechiae.
Because there are a number of potential causes for palatal petechiae, Dr Geige said: "Context is key when evaluating oral health."
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If palatal petechiae is caused by oral sex, it can be difficult to pinpoint when it occurred, added Dr Greige.
She explained: " Petechiae and minor irritation typically heal within a few days, so if I notice them, I can tell that the trauma was recent but I can’t pinpoint an exact time frame."
Occasional palatal petechiae from trauma doesn't increase cancer risk.
But Dr Geige did warn how repeated trauma and exposure to certain infections like HPV could contribute to long-term risks.
She added: "I stress that it’s always best to maintain good oral hygiene and stay informed about potential risks."
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