LAUSR

Syphilis is an infectious disease which can present with multitudinous mucocutaneous manifestations. Often referred to as the ‘great mimicker', syphilis can present with non-specific symptoms and has a tropism for various organ systems. The oral cavity has been identified as a site commonly affected in the early stages of syphilis infection. Identification of the diverse presentations seen across the different stages of syphilis infection can assist in early diagnosis and treatment for this cohort of patients. Despite accurate diagnostic tools and the susceptibility of the infection to standard antimicrobial therapy, syphilis infections continue to rise worldwide. We present the clinical features and management of six cases of oral syphilis who presented to our unit. One case presented in 2008, but the other five cases presented between 2016 and 2023, reflecting the increasing incidence of syphilis infection. Five cases presented in the secondary stage of the infection while one presented with a primary infection in the form of a single chancre. The documented cases demonstrate the non-specific and variable clinical features of oral syphilis and highlight the importance of awareness in the dental profession of these manifestations. Dentists have an important role to play in recognising the disease and arranging appropriate testing for early intervention. This will not only reduce the incidence of the devastating consequences of tertiary infections but will also result in reduced spread of the disease. The incidence of syphilis has increased worldwide over the last two decades. Oral manifestations may be the only or most significant feature of primary and secondary syphilis. It is important that the general dental practitioner considers the possibility of this diagnosis in cases of single isolated ulcers (the chancre of primary syphilis) or in widespread oral ulceration or granulomatous disease (secondary syphilis). The general dental practitioner plays an important role in the diagnosis and control of syphilis infection as the features of primary and secondary syphilis are self-limiting. A patient who remains undiagnosed is at risk of contributing to further spread of the disease and of developing tertiary syphilis. The incidence of syphilis has increased worldwide over the last two decades. Oral manifestations may be the only or most significant feature of primary and secondary syphilis. It is important that the general dental practitioner considers the possibility of this diagnosis in cases of single isolated ulcers (the chancre of primary syphilis) or in widespread oral ulceration or granulomatous disease (secondary syphilis). The general dental practitioner plays an important role in the diagnosis and control of syphilis infection as the features of primary and secondary syphilis are self-limiting. A patient who remains undiagnosed is at risk of contributing to further spread of the disease and of developing tertiary syphilis.