PERIODONTAL-DISEASES IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS

Periodontal diseases may be the first clinical sign of human immunodef iciency virus (HIV)-infection. Since the immunosuppression and subsequ ent susceptibility may alter the responses of the oral tissues as well as the microflora, both periodontal treatment and result of therapy m ay be modified. The periodontal diseases in HIV-seropositive patients include common as well as less conventional forms of gingivitis and pe riodontitis, and bacterial, mycotic and viral infections are seen. Neo plasias may also involve the periodontium; most common are Kaposi's sa rcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recent studies of unselected groups of patients indicate that periodontal health in at least some groups o f HIV-seropositive patients is better than previously reported.