Syphilis: a re-emerging disease. An update for the dental practitioner

Abstract

Syphilis is a primarily sexually transmitted chronic infection caused by the spirochete, Treponema pallidum. There has been a dramatic increase in cases of syphilis in the Western world, with cases tripling in England between 2010 and 2019. Syphilis can present in a dental setting and dentists should enquire about sexual history if suspicious of syphilis to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. We present five cases seen with variable presentations of oral syphilis between 2016 and 2021 in a dental hospital. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Increased awareness of syphilis among the dental team is essential to ensure early referral, diagnosis and treatment.