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Oral health
care is an important part of your HIV care. Oral health problems put
more strain on your immune system. Some oral health problems are a sign
that your immune system is changing and may mean that you should see
your doctor. Your dentist needs to know that you have HIV in order to
give you the best care.
He or she can work with your doctor or clinic to make sure you get the
treatment you need.
 Oral health problems
may raise your risk of heart disease, lung disease, and stroke. In
pregnant women, oral health problems may raise the risk of having a
lowweight, premature baby. Two types of oral health problems are:
- problems with your teeth and gums
- infections and sores inside your
mouth
Almost everyone has tooth and gum problems at some time in their lives.
The most common are cavities and gum disease.
Cavities
(sometimes called caries) A cavity is a soft spot or small hole
in your tooth. Cavities are caused by plaque, a sticky white film on
your teeth that is made up of bacteria (germs) and tiny bits of food
left in your mouth. These bacteria make acid that eats away at your
teeth. Cleaning your teeth regularly helps prevent cavities by
getting rid of plaque. At first, a cavity is small and does not hurt.
If it is not treated with a filling, it can get deeper, become painful,
and a root canal may be needed to fix the tooth. If a cavity is not
treated, it can lead to dangerous mouth infections and loss of the
tooth.
Gum
Disease. Gum disease is an infection of your gums and the bone
that holds your teeth in your mouth. Signs of gum disease are:
- red or swollen gums
- gums that bleed when you brush or
floss your teeth
- gums that are pulling away from
your teeth
- loose teeth
If gum disease is not treated, your teeth—even healthy ones—may shift
or get so loose that they need to be
removed. Early treatment can help you keep your teeth. People with HIV
sometimes have gum disease that gets worse very quickly. All kinds of
gum disease are easier to treat when they first begin. That’s why it is
so important to see your dentist regularly.
You can prevent cavities and gum disease.
Cavities and gum disease can happen to anyone. The good news is that
you can prevent these problems by following these easy steps:
- See
your dentist every 6 months for a checkup, even if your teeth feel
fine. Your dentist can find and fix cavities before they cause
you pain. Your dentist can also find and treat early signs of gum
disease before it becomes serious. Early treatment means less pain!
Your dentist also checks for mouth infections, sores, and cancer, so
you should go even if you have no teeth.
- Brush
your teeth after every meal, or at least 2 times a day. Choose
a toothpaste with fluoride and use a softbristle toothbrush. Change
your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles look
frayed or worn.
- Floss
every day. Flossing cleans parts of your teeth that your
toothbrush can’t reach. If you have trouble using floss, ask your
dentist to show you ways to clean between your teeth.
- Use
a mouth rinse every day. Ask your dentist if there is a
specific mouth rinse you should use.
- Use
artificial saliva if you have a dry mouth. Dry mouth is a side
effect of many HIV medications. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean, so
you are more likely to get cavities if you have a dry mouth. An
artificial saliva will make your mouth more comfortable and will help
prevent oral health problems caused by dry mouth. You can buy this at
your local pharmacy without a prescription, or ask your dentist for a
recommendation.
- Mouth
sores & infections. People with HIV are more likely to have
some kinds of sores and infections inside their mouths, including on
the tongue and lips. Some of these infections are rare and can only be
found by your dentist. Others are more common and may have symptoms you
can see or feel. The most common kinds of sores and infections that
affect people with HIV are:
- Thrush (Candidiasis)
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
- Mouth Ulcers (Canker sores,
cold sores, or fever blisters)
Thrush (Candidiasis)
Candidiasis
is a fungal infection that may appear in your mouth.
Candidiasis may look like: white patches in your mouth that can be
wiped off a flat red sore that burns, especially when you eat spicy or
salty foods, cracks in the corners of your mouth. Candidiasis can be
treated with prescription mouth rinses, pills, or lozenges (pills you
suck on instead of swallowing). If thrush is not treated, it can spread
down your throat. Then you may need more complex treatment or even
hospitalization. Early treatment is best.
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
Oral hairy leukoplakia: looks like white patches that do not wipe off
is usually found along the sides of your tongue is not painful. Oral
hairy leukoplakia usually does not need to be treated. If it becomes
severe, your dentist can provide medications or other treatments.
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth
sores include canker sores and cold sores (also called fever blisters).
Mouth sores are common, even in people who do not have HIV. But people
with HIV may have larger, more painful sores that take much longer to
heal. If you have a sore that does not go away in 7 to 10 days, see
your dentist. To reduce pain from mouth sores: avoid acidic foods (like
orange juice or tomatoes), avoid spicy foods (like hot sauce), ask your
dentist about over-the-counter medications. Your dentist may also
prescribe medication to treat some kinds of mouth sores.
Mouth
Self-Checks Take some time at least once a month to look inside
your mouth for signs of infections and sores. Check your: tongue (top
and bottom), lips, gums, cheeks and roof of the mouth. See your
dentist if you find: white, purple, or red patches, painful sores,
bumps, sores that do not heal after 7 to 10 days. Early treatment can
prevent some problems from getting worse. Plus, some of these sores can
hurt or make eating and drinking uncomfortable. The sooner your dentist
treats you, the sooner you will feel better.
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