Dentists say they can tell if a patient has recently performed oral sex, due to distinct changes inside the mouth that last up to three days after the act.
A number of dental professionals have recently taken to social media to share the ‘fun fact’ in several clips, to the general horror and embarrassment of other users.
The tell-tale sign is a rash of pinpoint-sized red or purple marks at the back of the roof of the mouth, medically known as palatal petechiae.
These marks are caused by bleeding beneath the tissues—much like a bruise.
Palatal petechiae can be triggered by an illness, such as Covid, strep throat, or glandular fever—due to a virus or bacteria damaging the blood supply to the mouth.
But in the case of oral sex, it’s caused by something repeatedly, and vigorously, hitting the back of the mouth.
This, combined with the negative pressure created by a sucking action boosting blood flow in the mouth, increases the risk of marks appearing.
Most dentists take a note of it during examinations even if they don’t bring it up with the patient as, if the marks don’t heal, further investigation may be needed.
One dentist sharing the fact, Dr Britany Baker, wrote to her 23,000 followers on Instagram : ‘How can your dental provider tell you have participated in oral sex? Palatal petechiae
Medically known as ‘palatal petechiae’ this condition looks like a ‘hicky’ or a red-spotted rash at the back of the roof of the mouth
Generally palatal petechiae clear up without intervention within seven days, however if they persist, rarely they can be a sign of blood disorders or even cancer.
One dentist sharing the fact, Dr Britany Baker, wrote to her 23,000 followers on Instagram: ‘How can your dental provider tell you have participated in oral sex? Palatal petechiae.’
‘Basically a hickey on the roof of your mouth.’
Social media users were aghast at the realisation that their dentist or hygienist may be getting insight into their sex lives.
‘Ummmm how long does it take to heal? Asking for a friend that has an appointment tomorrow,’ one wrote.
‘How does one strengthen their palate to avoid bruising? Asking for a friend,’ added another.
One female user shared a particularly embarrassing anecdote: ‘My dad’s a dentist and I asked him to look at my throat when it looked like this.
‘He pretended he didn’t know what it was and my mom told me later.’
Dental professionals have taken to social media to share the ‘fun fact’ in several clips to the general horror and embarrassment of users. Stock image
Dentist Dr Huzefa Kapadia also explained in a TikTok that if oral sex causes palatal petechiae can vary by patient and also by how ‘vigorous’ a specific sex act had been.
‘If it’s repeated abrasion in that area, we can tell,’ he said.
‘Everyone is different, I can’t say for certain that just because you’ve had it the night before it’s going to show up at your dental exam.
‘It all depends on how vigorous the action was… and how sensitive you are, like some patients bruise really easily while others may not bruise at all.’
The dentist, from Michigan, added it was ‘rare’ to see palatal petechiae in a patient and when it does ‘we usually don’t mention it or say anything.’
Cases of palatal petechiae from fellatio have also been recorded in medical literature, with experts highlighting that changing sexual practices could be making it more common.
Medics, who documented one case in the British Medical Journal, said they found palatal petechiae in a 47-year-old man who, after questioning, revealed he had given oral sex about three days before his appointment.
His health team wrote: ‘Oral sex has become a common practice in our society; therefore, it is pertinent to consider this practice as a potential cause of oral lesions, particularly on the palate.’
Dentists generally only consider palatal petechiae a serious matter when examining children as it can be a sign of sexual abuse, and it then becomes a safeguarding issue.
