Oral (mouth) problems are very common in HIV+ people. More than a third of HIV+ people have oral conditions that arise because of their weakened immune systems. This puts HIV+ people at greater risk for gum problems (periodontal disease), mouth infections, and sores.

Oral problems can cause discomfort and embarrassment and affect how you feel about yourself. Oral problems can also lead to trouble with eating and speaking. If mouth pain or tenderness makes it difficult to chew and swallow, or if you can’t taste as well as you used to, you may not eat the food you need to stay well. It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your mouth.

Additional oral problems may occur if you use street drugs. Opium, heroin, and cocaine can increase tooth decay and gum disease. Crystal meth can cause severe oral problems, sometimes described as "meth mouth," including dry mouth and widespread decay.

You cannot be refused dental treatment because of your HIV status, but finding dental care can be difficult depending on your financial resources, insurance coverage, and where you live. Options for people with fixed incomes and/or no insurance are limited, but they do exist:

• Federal Ryan White CARE Act-funded dental clinics: These clinics may be able to provide low or no cost dental care; however there may be a waiting list. Go to:
  • http://www.hab.hrsa.gov/programs/dentallist.htm
  • http://granteefind.hrsa.gov/searchbyprogram.aspx?
    select=H65&index=26
• Other federal Ryan White Care Act-funded programs: These programs may be able to provide services or referrals. Go to the table at: http://www.hab.hrsa.gov/programs.htm and click on the links to grantee lists of Title 1 Grantees, Title II Formula Grant Program, and Title III Outpatient EIS Program. Call a program in your area and ask for help in locating available dental care services.
• Dental schools: Some cities have dental schools and advanced dental education programs that provide good quality care at reduced rates. Check for a program near you at:
  • http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/
    search_ddsdmd_us.asp
  • http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/programs/
    search_advanced_us.asp
• Public health or community-based primary care clinics: Clinics provide treatment at either a reduced rate or completely free. Call your local Department of Health office to find a clinic or check: http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/

Because of the increased risk for oral problems, it is especially important for HIV+ people to take good care of their mouths. Proper dental care is needed to keep teeth and gums healthy. What does proper dental care involve for HIV+ people? Follow these basic rules:

• Develop a good home care routine – brush two to three times daily and floss once a day (preferably at night)
• See the dentist every six months
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a healthy diet

Most common oral conditions linked with HIV can be treated. If you notice any problems, talk with your doctor or dentist about what treatment might work for you. Remember, with the right treatment, your mouth can feel better. And that’s an important step toward living well with HIV.

1		Hughes, P. L. (2004). Dental Care and HIV (Positive Words Fact Sheet Number 25). Retrieved May 2006 from http://www.positivewords.com.
2		National Institutes of Health. (2005). Mouth Problems and HIV (NIH Publication No. 04-5320). Retrieved May 2006 from http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DiseasesAndConditions/ HivAids/MouthProblemsAndHIV.htm
3		Reznik, D.A. and O’Daniels, C. (2005) Oral manifestation of HIV in the HAART era. HIVdent. Retrieved May 2006 from http://www.hivdent.org/oralm/oralmOMHAH052002.htm.