HIV/AIDS & Dental Health

If you, or someone you know, is living with HIV/AIDS, the American Dental Association recommends that dental health care be part of all HIV/AIDS treatment plans. That’s because people living with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to infections including dental infections, which can affect their overall health.

How Does HIV/AIDS Affect the Mouth?

Your mouth may be the first part of your body to be affected when infected with HIV.  Because infection with HIV will weakened your immune system, this means you will be susceptible to infections and other problems.  In your mouth, this can cause pain and tooth loss.

People with HIV may experience the following mouth issues:

• Dry mouth
• Thrush
• White lesions on the sides of the tongue (oral hairy leukoplakia)
• Red band gingivitis
• Ulcerative periodontitis
• Karposi’s Sarcoma
• Outbreaks of herpes simplex virus
• Canker sores
• Mouth ulcers

Dental and mouth problems related to HIV can be painful, which can cause trouble chewing or swallowing. This may prevent you from taking your HIV medication. It can also result in malnutrition, as you may have trouble eating and absorbing enough essential nutrients.  A compromised digestive system may affect the absorption of your HIV drug treatment.

How Can I Cope with Dental and Mouth Issues Related To HIV?

The best ways to prevent these issues are to do the following:

• Visit your dentist for regularly scheduled appointments.
• Brush and floss your teeth twice daily for two minutes.
• Take your HIV medicine on schedule.
• Tell your doctor if your HIV medicine is causing dry mouth. Ask what treatment is best for you.
• If you do not have a regular dentist, ask your primary care provider or clinic for a referral.

Most mouth health problems related to HIV are treatable. We welcome you to talk to one of our dentist in Beaufort SC about what treatment is best for you.  If you are concerned that you have a oral health issues related to HIV/Aids, schedule a visit to our Ladys Island dentist office for a consultation with one of our dentists. Contact us at (843) 986-0177 or request an appointment online.