Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome – A Pedodontist's Perspective

Abstract

AIDS was believed to be associated with a certain group of people, later the belief changed when the disease start encroaching other set of people. As science evolved, the knowledge about transmission of the virus grew and the evidences for the maternal transmission of the virus were found. Among children, most cases of infection by HIV are transmitted vertically, i.e., from mother to child. As they have an immature immune system, which may cause the rapid and severe progression. Children who are vertically infected present considerable weight loss, delayed development, delayed dental eruption, fewer permanent teeth, prolonged retention of primary teeth and various number of dental anomalies. The most important comeback by the science was by the establishment of antiretroviral protocols which has reduced the occurrence of oral changes. There been a decline in the rate of HIV-related oral manifestations following the introduction of HAART. Many studies evaluating the efficacy of HAART demonstrated positive results and better lifestyle of the infected children. It is clearly known fact that there are considerable regional variations in the oral manifestations of HIV infection, depending both on the populations studied and on the clinical expertise available, among other factors. This review article explains the manifestations, dental implications and the various treatment regimens to be followed in pediatric patients.