All warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of them, of which 12 are considered high-risk and can cause cancer. Others remain harmless and cause genital warts.
Tongue warts, or oral papillomas, are also caused by the HPV and can vary in size, colour, and feel. The good news is they are not cancerous. However, it is crucial to understand the source of infection or the mode of transmission to curb the spread. Here's what our expert has to say about how it transmits from one person to another.
What Causes Tongue Warts?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund and Kalyan, says oral warts are a viral infection caused by the HPV. The wart can occur as a growth on the lips, tongue, and other parts of the mouth, she adds, sharing that they are generally painless and don't cause any additional problems.
According to a recent study published in the BMC Public Health, oral HPV infections are quite common, with global estimates ranging from 5.5-7.7%. However, studies conducted in specific countries have found much higher rates, reaching up to 26%, suggesting that the prevalence of oral HPV varies significantly across different regions.
Does kissing Increase The Risk Of Transmission?
The short answer is yes.
Dr Sabnis says, “Oral kissing, deep oral contact, and also multiple sexual partners increase the risk of transmission of tongue warts.”
The virus can be spread through saliva during contact with an infected person's mouth; therefore, if someone has tongue warts, avoiding deep kissing is recommended to prevent transmission to their partner.
Other factors that increase a person's risk of oral warts or papillomas include having a weak immune system, using tobacco or alcohol, and having more sexual partners.
Symptoms of Tongue Warts
Tongue warts appear as a small, painless pink or red colour growth in the mouth.
It can appear anywhere inside the mouth, but most commonly is seen on the tongue and lips.
Additionally, they can be in multiple numbers, or there can just be a single wart.
Also Read: What Are Genital Warts? Doctor Explains Causes
Treatment Options And Prevention Tips
According to Dr Sabnis, oral warts, if they are troublesome, can be removed surgically or by cryotherapy. Otherwise, if they are not painful and not increasing in size, they don't require any specific treatment, as generally, they are self-limiting, she adds.
The doctor also highlights that if your body’s immunity is good, the infection will get cleared by itself.
“So, unless those tongue warts or sores are painful or have any active bleeding, we don't need to remove them,” she reiterates, adding that there is no medicine or tablet that you can take to reduce the warts once they develop. So, the best way is prevention, or if they develop, then to remove them surgically.
Remember, safe sexual practice is one of the ways the HPV infection in the mouth can be reduced. Also, the HPV vaccination, which is taken to prevent cervical cancer, can also prevent oral HPV infection if it is given at the correct age, Dr Sabnis concludes.