How Do Dentists Know If You’ve Been Giving Oral?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Some patients wonder if dentists can tell if they’ve been sexually active in certain ways. The short answer is — not exactly. Dentists cannot “diagnose” sexual activity, but certain changes in the mouth might suggest patterns or habits. However, it’s important to understand that these signs can be caused by many different things, not just sexual activity.
For example, small bruises, cuts, or irritation in the back of the mouth or on the soft palate (the roof of your mouth) can sometimes happen from physical contact. But they can also be caused by hard foods, sports injuries, or even accidentally biting yourself.
Another possible sign is a sore throat or swollen glands, which can be linked to infections. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can show symptoms in the mouth, such as sores, redness, or unusual patches. But again, these can also come from other causes like canker sores, allergies, or colds.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, our goal is not to judge or make personal assumptions about your private life. We focus on your overall oral health. If we see something unusual, we may ask questions to understand what might be causing it, but we never shame patients or make them feel uncomfortable.
If you ever have concerns about changes in your mouth — whether or not they are related to sexual activity — it’s best to be honest with your dentist. This helps us give you the right advice, recommend the right tests if needed, and make sure your mouth stays healthy.
Your privacy matters to us, and our office is a no-judgment space. We care about keeping you healthy, not about judging your choices.