Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs in Pediatric Aids Patients

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a chronic condition in children with improved survival and quality of life after the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy. Patients frequently report with oral manifestations but the oral health status has been poorly researched. This study was done to investigate the oral health status and treatment needs amongst HIV infected children in Chennai, India. 50 children from 2 HIV care homes were examined and data was statistically analysed. 48% of the children had caries. Restoration was the main treatment need followed by oral prophylaxis.