Syphilis in the Mouth: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. While it can affect any part of the body, oral syphilis is a common occurrence in people who engage in oral sex with infected partners. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for oral syphilis.

Symptoms of Syphilis in the Mouth

The symptoms of syphilis in the mouth can be easily mistaken for other oral health conditions, making it important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have syphilis. The symptoms include:

• Sores or ulcers in the mouth
• Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or lips
• Painless sores on the lips, mouth, or throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

It is important to note that the symptoms of syphilis can vary from person to person and may not always appear in the mouth. In some cases, syphilis can cause rashes, fever, and body aches, among other symptoms.

Diagnosis of Oral Syphilis

To diagnose syphilis in the mouth, your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms and sexual history. They may also order blood tests to detect the presence of syphilis antibodies in your blood.

If you have a sore in your mouth, your healthcare provider may also take a swab of the sore and send it to a laboratory for testing.

Treatment of Syphilis in the Mouth

The treatment for syphilis in the mouth involves a course of antibiotics, typically penicillin. The antibiotics can help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection and prevent further damage to your body.

It is important to note that if left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health complications, such as blindness, deafness, and neurological damage. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you have syphilis in the mouth.

Preventing Oral Syphilis

The best way to prevent oral syphilis is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms during oral sex. If you are sexually active, it’s also important to get regular STD screenings to detect any infections early.