Affiliation:
1. Department of General Dentistry School of Dentistry Loma Linda University Loma Linda California USA
2. Center for Dental Research School of Dentistry Loma Linda University Loma Linda California USA
3. Department of Periodontics School of Dentistry Loma Linda University Loma Linda California USA
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundThe study objectives were to determine tooth loss prevalence and to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and potential risk factors among adult dentate HIV+ patients on newer antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.MethodsHealth records of 450 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals were surveyed. Eighty‐eight records of dentate HIV+ individuals with full‐mouth periodontal charting and intra‐oral periapical radiographs were identified. We collected data on demographics, systemic risk factors, oral health, and HIV disease measures. Caries exposure and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were radiographically assessed.ResultsEighty‐eight percent of patients showed tooth loss. Patients with ABL ≥15% had a higher number of missing teeth (p < .01). Stepwise regression analyses indicated that tooth loss was positively associated with age (β = 0.45, p < .01) and ABL (β = 0.39, p < .01). By contrast number of years on ART was negatively associated with tooth loss (β = −0.28, p < .05).ConclusionsTooth loss remains prevalent among HIV+ patients, and periodontal disease is a significant contributor. The number of years on ART seem to improve oral health behavior and reduce tooth loss.