Introduction: According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA) 2017, Brazil shows high prevalence rates in malignant neoplasms with primary localization in the oral cavity, since oral cancer affects the lips and oral cavity. It is a multifactorial disease, derived from genetic, environmental or infectious factors (viruses) isolated or in association, causing cytogenetic changes that proceed through a somatic mutation sequence, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation. Objective: To study the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the oral mucosa, making it possible to trace possible risk factors associated with its development. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of the bibliographic review on the subject, monographs, dissertations, theses and books, comparatively analyzing the information from these research sources, making a discussion about the results of this survey. Results and Discussion: There are more than 100 types of papillomavirus identified, 24 of these related to the oral cavity. Transmission of papillomavirus to oral mucosa occurs by self-inoculation and through the practice of oral sex. Papillomavirus infection begins when the virus contacts the basal epithelial cells by a slow process of endocytosis, from the binding to a specific receptor on the surface of basal cells. Viral tropism is caused in part by the binding of specific viral surface proteins to certain host cell surface receptor proteins. Studies to detect the presence of papillomavirus in the oral mucosa reveal that this virus appears to persistently or frequently infect the mouth, including in children and adolescents. Conclusion: Detection rates vary mainly according to the population studied and the sensitivity of the methods used, with the main types of papillomavirus being found, Papillomavirus 16 and 18.