HIV infection and tooth loss

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between HIV infection and tooth loss. Based on periodontal reports, we hypothesize HIV+ patients experience greater tooth loss than systemically healthy patients. Study design: This was a retrospective cross-sectional chart study involving 193 HIV+ patients and 192 controls matched on age, race, gender, and smoking status. The relationships between tooth loss and age, race, gender, smoking, CD4+ cell count, and viral load were determined. This study used a 2-year follow-up/maintenance period and was conducted during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Results: Tooth loss between groups was not significantly different at any time point: (1) before dental treatment; (2) after initial periodontal and restorative treatment; and (3) following a 2-year maintenance period. Age, race, and smoking were risk factors for tooth loss. Among HIV+ individuals, CD4+ cell count and viral load did not influence tooth loss. Conclusions: HIV infection, in the era of HAART, does not appear to be a risk factor for tooth loss. We also did not find any association between tooth loss and indices of HIV disease progression.