While good oral health habits are important for all people, they need particular significance for people living with HIV. Many of the first signs of HIV infection may occur as oral manifestations that can be identified during a routine oral examination by a dentist. On the other hand, if a person is aware of their HIV status and oral manifestations are present; this could indicate a change in the immune system or a failure of the current drug regimen. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of these HIV related diseases may reduce morbidity. HIV has no cure, but it can be controlled with effective medication Sustiva.
HIV/AIDS Affects the Mouth
Your mouth could also be the primary a part of your body to be affected when infected with HIV. Because infection with HIV will weaken your immune system, this means you will be susceptible to infections and other problem. In your mouth, this will cause pain and tooth loss. People with HIV may experience the subsequent mouth issues:
Tooth Decay: It causes pain with hot or cold food and drinks and can cause strong pain and swelling of the gums. Changes to your diet and cleaning your teeth can help prevent tooth decay.
Gum Disease: Caused by bacteria on teeth below the gum line. It can cause bad breath, bleeding and swelling but may not cause pain until it is advanced. Untreated gum disease can advance very quickly in a person with HIV who are not taking medications and is worse in smokers.
Dry Mouth: HIV can damage the salivary glands and many common medications including ART can cause dry mouth. Saliva protects your teeth by reversing acid damage and keeps your mouth moist to make eating and speaking comfortably. Along with all daily routine things, Sustiva shall be taken as prescribed by the doctor.
Taste Changes: Taste changes are common in dry mouth and can be associated with a number of causes including upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), age-related loss of function of taste buds, infections in the mouth or as a side effect of medication.
Cope Up with Dental and Mouth Issues Related to HIV With Following Tips:
Regular trips to the dentist are a crucial a part of maintaining optimal dental health. But even there are things you can do at home to maintain a healthy set of teeth, including Brush regularly and properly at least twice each day using a manual or electric toothbrush. Make sure the bristles of your toothbrush are soft to avoid trauma to the gum tissue. It’s important; however, to note that mouthwashes do not replace brushing and flossing but rather support overall good oral hygiene practices. With caring your mouth, take Sustiva medicine as directed by the doctor.
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