HIV infection and tooth loss.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between HIV infection and tooth loss. Based on periodontal reports, we hypothesize HIV+ patients experience greater tooth loss than systemically healthy patients.


METHODS
This was a retrospective cross-sectional chart study involving 193 HIV+ patients and 192 controls matched on age, race, gender, and smoking status. The relationships between tooth loss and age, race, gender, smoking, CD4+ cell count, and viral load were determined. This study used a 2-year follow-up/maintenance period and was conducted during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).


RESULTS
Tooth loss between groups was not significantly different at any time point: (1) before dental treatment; (2) after initial periodontal and restorative treatment; and (3) following a 2-year maintenance period. Age, race, and smoking were risk factors for tooth loss. Among HIV+ individuals, CD4+ cell count and viral load did not influence tooth loss.


CONCLUSIONS
HIV infection, in the era of HAART, does not appear to be a risk factor for tooth loss. We also did not find any association between tooth loss and indices of HIV disease progression.
Engeland
Christopher G
CG
Department of Periodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Jang
Paul
P
Alves
Mario
M
Marucha
Phillip T
PT
Califano
Joseph
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000209:etiology*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced