Aids and Dental Health

It has been observed that dental and oral problems are the first and the foremost indicators of AIDS. In fact various studies and their observations are testimony to this fact. It has been reported that 40-50% of HIV infected people suffer from dental problems. While the study further goes and supports that some of the oral ailments are linked with AIDS or HIV.

The AIDS virus is capable of triggering oral health problems in the patients suffering from AIDS. The main reason behind is the weakened immune system of the AIDS victim. The problems related to this can only be corrected and curbed by examining the symptoms and accordingly working on it.

Common oral /dental problems due to HIV/AIDS are:-

Some of the common problems that results due to HIV/AIDS are development of fever blisters, Kapsi Sarcoma, oral warts, canker sores, oral hairy leukoplakia, gingivitis, periodontal disease, thrush, swelling in salivary glands, enlarged lymph nodes, dry mouth, viral lesions and herpes simplex viral lesions.

Some of the exclusively associated disease due to HIV/AIDS:-

Oral hairy leukoplakia-
OHL is basically related with AIDS. It is in fact the sure sign of fully developed AIDS. It occurs in the lateral borders especially on the sides of the tongue. In some condition it can happen in cheeks and palate and lips. It has been noted and anticipated that a person with OHL condition can develop full AIDS in 31 months of its first symptoms observed.

Oral candidiasis-
This is also a kind of dental problem that happens on account of AIDS. Almost 90% of the AIDS cases show this condition. It is basically a form of fungal infection that occurs on the soft and hard palate and also on the tongue.

Prevention of gum diseases in AIDS/HIV:-
It is always suggested to visit a dentist in case of any pain or discomfort in gums or teeth. Follow the basic cleanliness regime in AIDS and oral condition. Visiting twice in a year to a dentist for full oral check up should be must.