Oral and Dental Infections: Virus

ABSTRACT

The oral cavity is a prime entering point for all types of microbiota, including viruses. The majority of viruses that enter cause no symptoms. Some are potentially pathogenic, but focus on other organs. Only a few use the cells associated with the oral cavity for replication, but their activity may affect oral health. Papillomaviruses are probably involved in oral cancer, and several viruses can take part in ulceration. Viruses of the herpes family may have an additional role in the development of periodontitis. This chapter offers a brief introduction to virology before discussing the role of the more relevant viruses in oral diseases and their treatment. Local anti-herpes medications are used for sores on the lips, while treatment of similar herpes blister or ulcers inside the mouth would require systemic administration. This is rarely done, but related medicine has been used successfully in connection with periodontitis. Vaccination against papillomaviruses appears to decrease the prevalence of oral cancer. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.