Oral manifestations of HIV and its management- A review

This paper discusses the importance of oral lesions as indicators of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and as predictors of progression of HIV disease to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Oral manifestation is among earliest the most important indicators of infection. Seven cardinal lesions oral candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, linear gingival erythema, necrotising ulcerative gingivitis, necrotising ulcerative Periodontitis and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which are strongly associated with HIV infection, have been identified and internationally calibrated and are seen in both developed and developing countries. They may provide a strong indication of HIV infection and be present in the majority of HIV infected people. Antiretroviral therapy may affect the prevalence of HIV-related lesions. The presence of oral lesions can have a significant impact on health-related quality of life. Oral health needs in people with HIV infection, especially in children, and in adults particularly in medical programmes and to integrate oral health care with general care of the patient. It is important that all the health care workers receive education and training on the relevance of oral health needs and the use of oral lesions as surrogate markers.