evidence: The importance of the HPV vaccine from a standpoint of oral health is that it protects against cancers that result from HPV infection, including oropharyngeal cancers. Approximately 80% of oropharyngeal cancers are associated with HPV and could potentially be prevented with the vaccine. It should be emphasized that it is intended as a preventive measure and it is not intended as a treatment. [...] Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of the HPV vaccines. The most common adverse effects are mild-moderate injection site reactions, with some patients reporting systemic adverse effects including headache, fever, nausea, or dizziness. Large studies have not supported anecdotal reports raising concern for multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders. [...] But of note: For those patients who have oropharyngeal cancers that are HPV-positive, but who also have the risk factors of cigarette smoking or heavy alcohol consumption, this seems to negate a positive relationship outcome. For reasons we may not fully understand, the risk factors of smoking and drinking seem to outweigh the HPV factor in terms of determining prognosis.