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Published on: June 11, 2011
Caries experience and cariogenic markers in HIV-positive children and their siblings
A Madigan1, P A Murray, M Houpt
1Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA.
Insights
Perinatally HIV-infected children face a higher risk of dental caries compared to their siblings. Oral health issues, including caries, worsen with advanced HIV disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Oral Health Research
Background:
- Perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can impact overall health, including oral health.
- Understanding the specific oral health challenges in children with perinatally acquired HIV is crucial for preventative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the oral health status of perinatally HIV-infected children with their HIV-uninfected siblings.
- To investigate the relationship between HIV disease advancement and oral health in infected children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, masked study involving 147 children (HIV-infected and uninfected siblings).
- Oral examinations conducted using NIH criteria for caries diagnosis.
- Assessment of caries-related bacteria and carbohydrate intake frequency.
Main Results:
- HIV-infected children showed significant differences in caries-free status, past caries experience, demineralizations, and caries-related bacteria compared to siblings.
- No significant differences in caries prevalence were observed in the 3- to 6-year-old subgroup.
- Caries prevalence and salivary bacteria levels correlated with years since HIV diagnosis and disease advancement.
- Carbohydrate intake frequency was strongly correlated with caries and specific oral bacteria in HIV-infected children.
Conclusions:
- Children with perinatally acquired HIV are at an elevated risk for dental caries.
- The risk of caries increases with the advancement of HIV disease.
- Dietary factors, specifically carbohydrate intake, play a significant role in caries development in this population.
Abstract:
The purpose of this cross-sectional, masked study was to compare the oral status of perinatally HIV-infected children with their uninfected siblings living in the same environment. A secondary purpose was to compare HIV-positive children for differences in oral health with respect to disease advancement. One hundred forty-seven children were examined in their homes and meeting places, using NIH criteria for caries diagnosis. Significant differences were found in the number of caries-free children (P < 0.05), past caries experience (P < 0.003), subsurface demineralizations (P < 0.0001), and caries-related bacteria (P < 0.05). However, differences in caries prevalence were not found in the 3- to 6-year-old subgroup. Caries prevalence (P < 0.001) and levels of caries-related flora in saliva were correlated to years since diagnosis (mutans streptococci P < 0.008, lactobacilli P < 0.02). Children with a more advanced disease stage had significantly more caries (P < 0.02). Among the HIV-infected children, the frequency of carbohydrate intake was clearly correlated to caries (P < 0.003) and to lactobacilli levels (P < 0.0001). It is concluded that children with perinatally acquired HIV are at greater risk for caries than their siblings, more so with advancing disease.
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