Dental Signs of Syphilis: What You Need to Know

When dental signs of syphilis, visible changes in the mouth caused by the bacterial infection Treponema pallidum. Also known as oral syphilis, it can show up long before other symptoms appear. Many people don’t realize syphilis can attack the mouth and teeth—sometimes years after the initial infection. These signs aren’t just about sore gums. They’re warning signals that the disease has moved into a more advanced stage, and ignoring them can lead to serious, permanent damage.

Syphilis doesn’t always look the same. In its secondary stage, you might see mucous patches, painless, grayish sores in the mouth that can bleed easily. These often get mistaken for canker sores or irritation from brushing too hard. But if they don’t go away after a week or two, and you’ve had unprotected sex or shared needles, it’s not something to brush off. Another common sign is gummas, soft, tumor-like growths that destroy bone and tissue around the teeth. These can cause teeth to loosen, shift, or even fall out—without any sign of decay or gum disease.

One of the most telling signs, especially in people infected as children, is Hutchinson’s teeth, notched, screwdriver-shaped incisors that develop due to congenital syphilis. These teeth don’t just look odd—they’re weaker and more prone to breaking. Adults who had untreated syphilis as kids might not even know why their front teeth look that way. Dentists often spot these changes first, since they’re trained to notice subtle patterns in tooth structure. If you’ve never been tested for syphilis and you have unusual dental issues, get a blood test. It’s simple, fast, and life-changing if caught early.

Other signs include swollen lymph nodes near the jaw, persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing, and painless ulcers on the tongue or lips. These can show up during the secondary phase, when the infection spreads through the bloodstream. You might feel fine otherwise—no fever, no rash—yet your mouth is screaming for attention. That’s why syphilis is called the "great imitator." It hides behind common problems. A dentist might notice something off during a routine cleaning, but if you don’t mention your sexual history or past infections, they can’t connect the dots.

What makes this even more urgent is that syphilis is on the rise again. The CDC reports a steady increase in cases over the last decade, especially among young adults. Many cases go undiagnosed because people don’t link mouth sores to a sexually transmitted infection. But the truth is simple: if your gums are changing, your teeth are shifting, or you have sores that won’t heal, syphilis should be on the list of possibilities. It’s treatable with antibiotics—especially if caught before it destroys bone or nerves.

You don’t need to wait for a full-blown crisis. A quick blood test at your doctor’s office or clinic can confirm or rule out syphilis. If you’ve had unprotected sex, shared needles, or been diagnosed with another STI, get tested—even if you feel fine. And if your dentist points out unusual dental changes, don’t dismiss it. They’re often the first to see the signs. The right treatment can stop the damage before it’s too late. Below, you’ll find real-world guides that break down how syphilis affects the body, what doctors look for, and how to protect yourself and others.