Periodontal disease and oral hygiene benefits in HIV seropositive and AIDS patients

2008

Objectives: The frequency of gingival and periodontal disease in HIV-seropositive and AIDS patients was investigated in order to evaluate the oral hygiene benefits of using mechanical therapy. Study design: thirty-two consenting HIV-positive patients were examined. Their gingival and periodontal status were evaluated using the Gingival Index and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. The data were assessed at baseline, after three months and after six months. Subjects received mechanical therapy, which included calculus removal, scaling and root planning, tooth polishing and oral hygiene instructions. The maintenance of oral hygiene was performed weekly. HIV staging and CD4 counts were also inv…