[Oral cavity diseases in HIV and AIDS infections. Clinical, preventive and therapeutic aspects]

Abstract

Few people with HIV infection fail to experience oral opportunistic lesions during the course of their disease. These are several oral mucosa and salivary gland manifestations that were not seen before the AIDS epidemic, while others are more severe in this population. Oral lesions reflect HIV status and the stage of immunosuppression are important clinical elements in HIV staging and classification schemes: these elements raise pertinent questions about mucosal aspects of immunosuppression and provide therapeutic challenges. Their pervasive nature and biological significance emphasize the importance of a careful oral examination as part of the general clinical evaluation. Prevention and treatment of oral diseases are required to maintain and improve the lifestyle of the patients infected with HIV. Odontoiatric and stomatologic managements require a team approach and a close collaboration with the appropriate responsible physicians and other health care workers are necessary.