Periodontal problems related to HIV-1 infection

The prevalence of periodontal diseases in HIV-infected infected persons is unresolved. While numerous reports have been published, the data are conflicting in part due to different populations studied, lack of consensus criteria for disease, study location, and biased samples. This presentation will be a collation of information available for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS-associated periodontal diseases. The use of "HIV" is no longer accepted as a diagnostic designation. Instead, the diagnostic categories of atypical gingivitis (erythematous gingival banding), necrotizing gingivitis, necrotizing periodontitis, and necrotizing stomatitis and distinguishing characteristics will be presented. It is essential that a distinction be made between those periodontal lesions that may occur in seropositive and seronegative individuals and those which appear to have more specific signs and symptoms associated with HIV infection and with immunosuppression in general. A simplified algorithm has been developed to help differentiate between periodontal diseases specific to the HIV-positive individual and those in the general population. Additionally, the grid may also be used to distinguish the different periodontal diseases known to be associated with HIV infection.