Dental Caries Status in HIV - Infected Patients at Dong Da General Hospital, Hanoi

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that attacks the body’s immune system, rendering individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can affect various parts of the body, posing a significant risk of mortality for patients. Both the HIV virus and antiretroviral drugs (ART therapy) used in HIV treatment can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth, which is conducive to dental caries. Therefore, dental caries is an important concern in HIV - infected patients. However, research on the dental caries status among HIV - positive patients is limited compared to studies on oral mucosal lesions and periodontal conditions. Untreated dental caries can result in various complications, including pulpitis, periodontal diseases, and even tooth loss, significantly affecting patients' quality of life in terms of nutrition and communication. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental caries among HIV/AIDS patients at Dong Da General Hospital in Hanoi. A cross – sectional descriptive study was conducted from February to September 2022, involving 110 HIV/AIDS patients aged 18 and above undergoing outpatient treatment at the Department of Infectious Diseases. Data collection methods included questionnaire surveys, medical records review, and clinical examinations to assess dental caries status, DMFT index, epidemiological features and paraclinical test. Results: a high prevalence of dental caries among HIV/AIDS patients, with 71.8 % of individuals affected by caries and 52.7 % experiencing tooth loss. On average, each patient presented with 2.28 ± 2.1 decayed teeth and 1.65 ± 2.44 missing teeth. There were significant associations observed between the prevalence of dental caries and tooth loss, as well as the DMFT index, with CD4 cell count, a crucial indicator of immune function. A statistically significant relationship was identified between the prevalence of missing teeth and age groups. However, no significant associations were found between the prevalence of dental caries, DMFT index, and gender or age groups. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive oral health management for HIV - infected patients, including regular dental screenings and tailored preventive interventions, to mitigate the burden of dental caries and its adverse effects on overall health and quality of life.