The Link Between HIV and Your Oral Health

In the Philippines, amid the presence of premium dental clinics in Manila, oral health care is often neglected by most families. In the statistics provided by the Department of Health (DOH), 77 percent or more than 7 out of 10 Filipinos have never even been to a dentist and availed dental services. What is worse is that the oral cavity (which is one of the parts of the body that first shows signs of HIV infection) is frequently an undervalued source of diagnostic and prognostic information about patients suspected with HIV. Another alarming fact is that the rate of increase in HIV-positive Filipinos is getting higher. On a recent report, 32 Filipinos are getting diagnosed with HIV/AIDS per day. And yet, oral problems that may be connected to HIV are often neglected due to the misconception that these issues may go away on their own.

According to dentists in Manila, dental services are not just limited in extracting the teeth and smile makeovers. Dental professionals are also expert in detecting sexually-transmitted diseases by
examining the mouth and diagnosing dental issues.

But before we tackle about the dental issues connected to HIV, what exactly links HIV to oral health?

The immune system, especially the CD4 cells (T cells) are crucial in fighting off infections. However, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks these cells and makes the body susceptible to other health risks. Once the immune system is weakened, opportunistic infections set in and affect different parts of the body including the mouth.

People infected with HIV commonly experience the following dental problems:

1. Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)

It is characterized as a fungal infection which appears as creamy white lesions on the tongue and lining of the mouth. It is commonly associated with a weakened immune system and can often be the first sign of an approaching illness.

2. Oral Hairy Leukoplakia

These are white patches on the tongue that may look hairy. It commonly occurs on the sides of the tongue but may also appear in different parts of the mouth.

3. Red Band Gingivitis

A person with red band gingivitis has bright red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. This is an ulcerative infection of the gums and mouth.

4. Kaposi’s Sarcoma

This is characterized by flat (patches or macules), raised (plaques or papules), or bumpy (nodules) lesions present in the gums. It remains as one of the most common cancers in people living with HIV.

5. Mouth Ulcers

Canker sores and outbreaks of herpes simplex virus in the lips, inside cheeks usually appears as red sores but can be covered in a gray or yellow film. These interfere with eating.

Those are some of the common dental problems that are commonly experienced by people infected with HIV. All dental issues mentioned are difficult to treat and does not go away on their own. If you have these issues, it is best to get checked and avail dental services in Manila immediately as well as get tested for HIV from a treatment hub near you.