Keywords

HIV, oral lesions

 

Authors

  1. Patel, Anita S. H. DMD
  2. Hansen, Heidi Jes DMD

Abstract

Oral health and nutrition play an integral role in the overall management of the HIV-infected patient. Commonly, oral lesions are the primary presentation of the underlying immune suppression. Adequate nutritional intake is directly related to the oral health status of the HIV-infected patient. Early recognition of symptoms and timely referral to a registered dietitian of the immune suppressed patient can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, particularly in relation to nutritional status. It is vital to obtain a thorough oral health history to adequately assess the nutritional intake of these patients.