Oral Manifestations of HIV In Children of Navi Mumbai - An Institutional Based Study

More than 1000 children are newly infected daily with Human immunodeficiency  Virus(HIV) and of these more than half would die as a result of AIDS due to the lack of access to HIV treatment. HIV disease varies considerably in children. Among those infected prenatally, some experience few or no symptoms for several years, whereas in others the disease progresses rapidly. The risk factors that influence the development of such oral manifestations include low CD4+ T cell count, xerostomia and lack of highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART) (1-10) Oral health is intrinsically linked to both physical and mental well-being, as oral lesions can compromise dental aesthetics and interfere with essential functions such as speech, chewing, and swallowing—ultimately affecting a patient’s quality of life. In HIV-positive individuals, the integration of oral health care into medical treatment is crucial. This includes the prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of oral conditions.(11-15) Health professionals must be equipped to recognize, diagnose, and treat oral pathologies by understanding their clinical manifestations, etiological agents, and associated local and systemic risk factors. Early detection of oral lesions, particularly acute conditions like gingivitis and necrotizing periodontitis, allows for timely and prioritized treatment. Therefore, the development and implementation of strategies are aimed at preventing, controlling, and reducing oral pathologies should be a priority in the care of HIV-positive patients, as this can significantly reduce morbidity and improve overall health outcomes in this vulnerable population.