The FDI World Dental Federation has released a concise, two-page practical guide on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the oral cavity, written for dentists and dental teams. The Kenya Dental Association is pleased to share it with members as a quick-reference resource for everyday practice.
Why it matters to dental teams
STIs remain a major public health concern worldwide, particularly among adolescents and young adults, and several of them can present with signs in the mouth. That places dental teams in a valuable position: we may be the first to notice an oral sign during a routine examination, to offer prevention advice, and to refer a patient for timely diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition in the dental chair can prevent complications and reduce onward transmission.
What the guide covers
The guide summarises the oral presentations dental teams should be alert to for the main infections, including:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhoea — can infect the oropharynx and are frequently asymptomatic, which makes awareness and screening important.
- Syphilis — the primary-stage oral chancre on the tongue, lips, gums or palate is often first detected by a dentist.
- Hepatitis — possible oral signs include jaundice, oral bleeding and petechiae; hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended.
- HIV — oral manifestations such as candidiasis, linear gingival erythema, necrotising gingivitis or periodontitis, oral hairy leukoplakia and Kaposi’s sarcoma, where early recognition and referral for antiretroviral therapy are essential.
- Herpes simplex virus — including acute herpetic gingivostomatitis on primary infection.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) — oral warts and papillomas, with certain types linked to oropharyngeal cancer; HPV vaccination significantly reduces infection and cancer risk.
Prevention and the dental team’s role
Beyond recognition, the guide sets out the dental team’s contribution to prevention: advice on safe sexual practices, vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, collaboration with medical colleagues, and taking a sexual history in a professional, respectful and non-judgemental way — using the “Five P’s” of partners, practices, protection, pregnancy prevention and past STIs.
It is equally clear on ethics: standard infection-control measures are sufficient in dental practice, excessive precautions should be avoided because they create fear and stigma, and patients with STIs must never be discriminated against.
Get the resource
The guide is published by FDI and is also available in French and Spanish on the FDI website, alongside the full FDI advice sheet on sexually transmitted diseases and the oral cavity.
Source: FDI World Dental Federation, “Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the Oral Cavity — A Practical Guide for Dentists and Dental Teams” (2026). Shared by the Kenya Dental Association for the information of its members.