Table of Contents
- Oral Problems Are Common
- Oral Conditions That Are More Common in People Living with HIV
- Oral Health and Street Drugs
- Oral Health and Tobacco
- Getting Dental Care in the US
- Taking Care of Yourself
Oral Problems Are Common
Oral (mouth) problems can be very common in people living with HIV. Oral health can often be an indicator of overall health. Therefore, if HIV weakens your immune system, you may be at greater risk for infections of your gums and supporting bone (periodontal disease) and inflammation (gingivitis), mouth infections, and sores. Often, the best way to prevent and treat problems in the mouth is to treat HIV by taking HIV drugs so that you stay as healthy as possible overall.
Oral problems can cause discomfort and embarrassment and affect how you feel about yourself. Oral problems can also lead to trouble with eating and speaking. If mouth pain or tenderness makes it difficult to chew and swallow, or if you cannot taste as well as you used to, you may not eat the food you need to stay well. It is important to see your dentist or healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your mouth.
Oral Conditions That Are More Common in People Living with HIV:
| Condition | What and Where | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) |
Painful red sores that might have a yellow-gray film on top. Usually on the underside of the tongue or the inside of the cheeks and lips. | Mild cases – Over-the-counter cream or prescription mouthwash that contains steroids. More severe cases – steroids in pill form. |
| Herpes simplex (cold sores) are caused by a virus |
One or more small blisters or ulcers (sores) on the lips or on the roof of the mouth and/or gums | Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir, valacyclovir) in pill form are prescribed and can dramatically reduce healing time. Over-the-counter medicine may help ease symptoms. |
| Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (also known as human herpes virus 4) | White patches that do not wipe away; sometimes very thick and "hair-like." Usually appear on the side of the tongue. | OHL is not harmful and usually goes away without treatment or when starting treatment for HIV. More severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication (e.g., acyclovir or valacyclovir). Topical (applied to the body surface) treatments are also available. Stopping smoking and not drinking alcohol can help. |
| Candidiasis (thrush) is a fungal (yeast) infection | White or yellowish patches inside the mouth, throat and on the tongue. If wiped away, there will be redness or bleeding underneath. | Mild cases – prescription antifungal lozenge (pill that dissolves in the mouth) or mouthwash More severe cases – prescription antifungal pills |
| Angular cheilitis is caused by a fungus or by malnutrition (too little vitamin B2, zinc, or iron) | Cracks on the corners of the mouth | Antifungal cream applied directly to the site, or pill or liquid taken orally, fluconazole, if fungal; improved diet or vitamin and mineral supplements, if malnutrition. |
| Oral warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) | Small, white, gray, or pinkish rough bumps that look like cauliflower. They can appear inside the lips and on other parts of the mouth. | Inside the mouth — a healthcare provider can remove them surgically or use "cryosurgery" — a way of freezing them off. If possible, consult a dentist who is an expert in HIV care. On the lips — a prescription cream that will wear away the wart. Warts can return after treatment. |
| Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancer associated with HIV and caused by a virus (human herpes virus 8). Considered an AIDS-defining condition. | Red or purple lesions (changes to the tissue) that can be raised or flat. KS usually occurs on the roof of the mouth but can be found anywhere in the mouth. | The best treatment is keeping the immune system healthy by taking your HIV drugs. There are several other therapies for KS, depending on how many and how severe the lesions are. If possible, consult a dermatologist (skin doctor) or oncologist (cancer doctor) who is familiar with KS. |
| Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting bone | Red gums that bleed easily and bad breath | Regular visits to the dentist and good oral hygiene both prevent and treat periodontal disease. Regular use of dental floss may prevent periodontal disease. |
| Xerostomia (dry mouth) can be caused by HIV, HIV drugs, antidepressants, or other medications | Lack of saliva (spit); trouble chewing and swallowing; dry, sticky, or burning mouth; and cracked or chapped lips. If untreated, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay (rotting teeth). | Use artificial saliva, sip water or sugarless drinks, chew sugarless gum or suck sugarless hard candy; avoid tobacco and alcohol |
Oral Health and Street Drugs
You may have additional mouth problems if you use street drugs. Opium, heroin, and cocaine can increase tooth decay and gum disease. Crystal meth can cause severe oral problems, sometimes described as "meth mouth," including dry mouth and widespread tooth decay.
Oral Health and Tobacco
Using tobacco also weakens the immune system's response to infections in your mouth.
Tobacco use is a primary cause of several oral diseases and conditions. People who use tobacco, whether they smoke it (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, pipes), use smokeless tobacco products (e.g., chew, plug, loose leaf, twist, or snuff) or use e-cigarettes (vaping), are more likely to develop oral cancer, throat cancer, and gum problems (periodontal disease). In fact, in the US, smoking is the single biggest risk factor for non-AIDS defining cancers among people living with HIV. In people living with HIV, smoking affects their risk of developing cancer more than if they have a low CD4 count, a non-suppressed viral load, hepatitis C, or an AIDS diagnosis.
Tobacco use commonly causes tooth decay, discoloration of your teeth (yellow teeth), and bad breath. Using tobacco also weakens the immune system's response to infections in your mouth. As a result, you will be more likely to get infections in your mouth and these infections will heal more slowly. Since the immune system of people living with HIV is already weakened, it is important not to further weaken it by using tobacco products. If you use tobacco, talk to your healthcare provider about how to stop smoking or chewing. For more information and help with stopping smoking, see our fact sheet on Smoking and Tobacco Use.
Getting Dental Care in the US
You cannot legally be refused dental treatment because of your HIV status but finding dental care can be difficult depending on your financial resources, insurance coverage, and where you live. Ask your healthcare provider or HIV specialist for suggestions on where to find dental care in your area. Options for people with fixed incomes and/or no insurance are limited, but they do exist:
- Federal Ryan White CARE Act-funded dental clinics: These clinics may be able to provide low- or no-cost dental care; however, there may be a waiting list. These dentists are generally experts in the dental care of persons living with HIV. Find a provider in your area (Find a Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Medical Provider)
- Dental schools: Some cities have dental schools or dental hygiene schools that provide good quality care at reduced rates. Check for a program near you (Search for Dental Programs)
- Public health or community-based primary care clinics, or federally qualified health centers: Clinics provide treatment at either a reduced rate or free of charge. Call your local Department of Health to find a clinic
Taking Care of Yourself
Often, the best way to prevent and treat problems in the mouth is to treat HIV by taking HIV drugs so that you stay as healthy as possible overall.
Because of the increased risk for oral problems, it is especially important for people living with HIV to take good care of their mouths. Proper dental care is needed to keep teeth and gums healthy. Basic guidelines for good oral health suggest that you:
- Develop a good home care routine – brush two to three times daily and floss once a day (preferably at night)
- Use a toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride
- See the dentist every six months or more often if the dentist suggests it
- Avoid smoking, using tobacco products, and street drugs
- Eat a healthy diet
Most common oral conditions linked to HIV can be treated. If you notice any problems, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider or dentist about what treatment might work for you. Remember, with the right treatment, your mouth can feel better. And that is a very important step toward living well with HIV.