Oral health

It is often easy to overlook dental issues and oral health especially when focused on overall health and wellbeing. But good dental hygiene is an important part of managing HIV disease. Poor oral health can even lead to malnutrition. Not being able to chew or swallow because the mouth hurts, may lead to not eating enough to keep healthy. This also can affect how the body absorbs HIV medication. In addition, any infection can stimulate the virus to grow, resulting in loss of viral suppression and higher viral loads.

The mouth may be the first part of the body to show signs of HIV infection. Oral opportunistic infections, such as candidiasis (thrush), are sometimes the first indicator that the immune system is not working properly—and oral health can be an important indicator of how HIV is affecting the body.

Anyone can have oral health problems, but HIV disease makes the body more susceptible to; oral warts—which can also progress to oral cancer; fever blisters; oral hairy leukoplakia; thrush; canker sores; cavities; and gum disease (periodontitis and gingivitis).

In addition, bacterial infections that begin in the mouth, such as tooth decay, can become more serious and, if not treated, spread into the bloodstream and harm the heart and other organs. This is particularly dangerous for people living with HIV and Aids who may have compromised immune systems.

People with HIV and Aids may also experience dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and can make chewing, eating, swallowing, and even talking difficult. Some HIV medications can cause dry mouth.

The best ways to avoid these problems include: if possible see a dentist regularly; brush teeth at least twice a day. (After every meal is better!); floss every day. Flossing cleans parts of your teeth that your toothbrush can not reach. Taking all HIV medications on schedule—this will protect the immune system and prevent oral opportunistic infections.

Letting healthcare workers know if the HIV medications are causing you to have dry mouth. There are remedies. Examine your mouth often and tell your primary care provider if you notice any unusual changes in the way your mouth looks or feels.—Additional information sourced from www.aids.gov