Association of dental health parameters with oral lesion prevalence in human immunodeficency virus-infected Romanian children

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed the association of caries, plaque accumulation, gingival health, and antiretroviral therapy (AT) with oral lesion prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Romanian children.

Methods: A convenience sample of HIV-infected children who received dental care in 2 hospitals were evaluated for oral lesions, caries (dfs+DFS/total teeth present), plaque (PI, Silness and Löe), and gingival indices (GI, Löe and Silness). Oral lesions were grouped as: (1) extraoral herpetic infections; (2) parotid gland swelling; (3) oral ulcerative lesions; and (4) fungal infections. A standardized operator performed the examinations and photographed the oral lesions for confirmation. Age, gender, and use of AT were documented. Data were analyzed by logistic and multiple regression, Pearson correlation and t test (P<.05).

Results: One hundred four children (mean age=11.7 years) were evaluated. Fungal infections were associated with increased caries rate (P=.002; OR=2.5) and increased GI (P=.01; OR=7.6). Caries, PI, and GI were associated with an increase in oral lesions (r=-0.472, P<.001). AT use was associated with decreased caries (P=.001, t test), but was not associated with decreased oral lesion prevalence.

Conclusions: Oral lesions, especially candidiasis, are more common in HIV-infected children with higher caries experience, gingival inflammation, and plaque accumulation. In children with limited access to medical care, the role of oral health appears to be important for decreasing the risk of common opportunistic infections.