Oral health behaviour and the prevalence of oral manifestations of HIV infection in a group of HIV positive adults

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations of HIV infection, the periodontal health status and the oral health behaviour of a group of 51 HIV infected adults. The design was a cross-sectional descriptive study which took place in a community dental clinic in south London dedicated to treatment of this group of patients. Data were collected through a self-administrated questionnaire, interview and clinical examination and results showed that 76.5 per cent had one or more oral manifestations of HIV infection. Intra-oral herpes, papilloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were not identified. A very positive attitude towards oral hygiene was identified. Plaque levels were low. All individuals studied had some evidence of bleeding gums.