ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SYPHILIS: A WARNING TO ORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of the present study was to review the literature about the role of oral health professionals in syphilis diagnosis, highlighting its oral manifestations. <h3>Study Design</h3> A detailed literature search was conducted in 5 databases (Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from January 2010 to April 2021 using the search strategy "Syphilis AND Oral." <h3>Results</h3> The literature showed that oral lesions can appear in any infection stage, although they were more common at the second one. Oral syphilis presented a nonspecific clinical aspect, mimicking other conditions. Usually, the oral manifestations of secondary syphilis were multiple asymptomatic whitish and slightly elevated lesions called mucous plaque. Also, the characteristic chancre of the primary stage due to oral sex must also be listed, as well as syphilitic gumma and luetic glossitis in the third stage. Special attention should be paid to pregnant women because vertical transmission of the disease can occur, causing congenital syphilis. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Oral lesions are frequently present in syphilitic patients; therefore, capacitated oral health professionals are important in syphilis diagnosis to work as a high-value resource against the rising number of notifications of this disease.