Patient Fact Sheet

Mouth Problems + HIV

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Oral problems are very common in people with HIV.

This information is for people who have mouth (oral) problems related to HIV infection. It explains

the most common oral problems linked to HIV and shows what they look like. It also describes

where in the mouth they occur and how they are treated.

They are commonOral problems are very common in people with HIV. Morethan a third of people living with HIV have oral conditionsthat arise because of their weakened immune system.And even though combination antiretroviral therapy hasmade some oral problems less common, others areoccurring more often with this type of treatment.

They can be painful, annoying,and lead to other problemsYou may be told that oral problems are minor comparedto other things you have to deal with. But you know thatthey can cause discomfort and embarrassment andreally affect how you feel about yourself. Oral problemscan also lead to trouble with eating. If mouth pain ortenderness makes it difficult to chew and swallow, or ifyou can’t taste food as well as you used to, you may noteat enough. And, your doctor may tell you to eat morethan normal so your body has enough energy to dealwith HIV.

They can be treatedThe most common oral problems linked with HIV can betreated. So talk with your doctor or dentist about whattreatment might work for you.

Remember, with the right treatment, your mouth can feelbetter. And that’s an important step toward living well,not just longer, with HIV.

If you have dry mouthDry mouth happens when you do not have enoughsaliva, or spit, to keep your mouth wet. Saliva helps youchew and digest food, protects teeth from decay, andprevents infections by controlling bacteria and fungi inthe mouth. Without enough saliva you could developtooth decay or other infections and might have troublechewing and swallowing. Your mouth might also feelsticky, dry and have a burning feeling. And you may havecracked, chapped lips.

To help with a dry mouth, trythese things:• Sip water or sugarless drinks often• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hardcandy

• Avoid tobacco• Avoid alcohol• Avoid salty foods• Use a humidifier at nightTalk to your doctor or dentist about prescribing artificialsaliva, which may help keep your mouth moist.

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Reprinted with permission by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Researchwww.nidcr.nih.govNational Institutes of HealthDepartment of Health and Human ServicesNIH Publication No. 04-5320March 2004

visit www.youroralhealth.ca © 2014 Ontario Dental Association

Patient Fact Sheet

Mouth Problems + HIV continued

It could be: What & where? Painful? Contagious? Treatment

Red sores that might alsohave a yellow-gray film ontop. They are usually on themoveable parts of themouth such as the tongueor inside of the cheeks andlips.

Mild cases: over-the-countercream or prescriptionmouthwash that containscorticosteroids; more severecases: corticosteroids in apill form.

Yes NoAphthous (AF-thus) ulcers,also known as Canker Sores.

ORRed sores

Ulcers

Herpes (HER-peez),a viral infection.

Red sores usually on theroof of the mouth. They aresometimes on the outside ofthe lips, where they arecalled fever blisters.

Sometimes Yes Prescription pill can reducehealing time and frequencyof outbreaks.

White hairlike growth

Hairy Leukoplakia (Loo-ko-PLAY-key-uh) causedby the Epstein-Barr virus.

White patches that do notwipe away; sometimes verythick and “hairlike”. Usuallyappear on the side of thetongue or sometimes insidethe cheeks and lower lip.

Not usually No Mild cases: not usuallyrequired; more severe cases:a prescription pill that mayreduce severity ofsymptoms. In some severecases, a pain reliever mightalso be required.

White creamy or bumpy patcheslike cottage cheese

Candidiasis (CAN-di-dye-uh-sis), a fungal(yeast) infection – also knownas thrush.

White or yellowish patches(or can sometimes be red).If wiped away, there will beredness or bleedingunderneath. They canappear anywhere in themouth.

Sometimes,a burningfeeling

No Mild cases: prescriptionantifungal lozenge ormouthwash; more severecases: prescriptionantifungal pills.

Warts

Small, white, gray or pinkishrough bumps that look likecauliflower. They can appearinside the lips and on theother parts of the mouth.

Inside the mouth: a doctorcan remove them surgicallyor use “cryosurgery”, a wayof freezing them off. On thelips: a prescription creamthat will wear away thewart. Warts can return aftertreatment.

Not usually Possibly