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Can HPV Infection Be Transmitted Through Saliva?

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Posted on Fri, 30 Dec 2016
Question: Is HPV infection transmitted via saliva & blood in the mouth? My brother-in-law lives with us & has cancer of the throut caused by the HPV virus and is very ill right now. By accident I found out he has been using my toothbrush instead of his & I don't know how long this has been going on. I have bleeding gums and abscesses as well & am concerned that with the open wounds in my mouth the HPV virus from his mouth has transmitted into me as well. Also......he has a habit of chewing on a pencil & my niece has sometimes chewed on it too ....... can the HPV virus live on the pencil & then infect her as well. How long can it live on an object outside of the body??? I am very worried about her so can you please let me know too if she is alright because of this chewed pencil. I don't know again how many times this has happened......
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Very unlikely to transmit in that fashion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns. However, transmission of HPV through oral secretions is not proven. Some studies have suggested transmission through oral sex or deep kissing but some did not.

There is no evidence that it can transmit through objects getting in contact with oral secretions.

So I don't think the toothbrush or pencil can transmit HPV.

Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (12 minutes later)
I am terribly confused...... If the virus can be transmitted by "deep kissing" that would involve saliva in the mouth why wouldn't the saliva on the toothbrush or pencil have this virus on it as well.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Outside body viability is poor

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,

This is because the virus can't survive outside the body. And the transmission through oral sex or kissing is still not proven beyond doubt.

Hope this is clear now

Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1710 Questions

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Can HPV Infection Be Transmitted Through Saliva?

Brief Answer: Very unlikely to transmit in that fashion Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. I understand your concerns. However, transmission of HPV through oral secretions is not proven. Some studies have suggested transmission through oral sex or deep kissing but some did not. There is no evidence that it can transmit through objects getting in contact with oral secretions. So I don't think the toothbrush or pencil can transmit HPV. Hope this helps. Regards