Objective: To compare the progression of periodontal destruction in people
with and without HIV
Method: Relative attachment loss on 6 index teeth was compared between 19 p
eople with HIV and 17 people without HIV infection over 12 and 18 month fol
low ups.
Results: The proportions of sites with 1, 2 or 3 mm of relative attachment
loss were similar in the study and control groups. Mean maximum relative at
tachment loss was similar in both groups after 12 months but greater in the
study group after 18 months.
Conclusions: The data are not compelling evidence of greater periodontal de
struction associated with HIV infection. Large scale cohort studies or meta
-analyses would be more conclusive.