Alveolar bone loss is a significant contributor to tooth loss in dentate HIV+ patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

The study objectives were to determine tooth loss prevalence and to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and potential risk factors among adult dentate HIV+ patients on newer antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.

METHODS

Health records of 450 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals were surveyed. Eighty-eight records of dentate HIV+ individuals with full-mouth periodontal charting and intra-oral periapical radiographs were identified. We collected data on demographics, systemic risk factors, oral health, and HIV disease measures. Caries exposure and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were radiographically assessed.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight percent of patients showed tooth loss. Patients with ABL ≥15% had a higher number of missing teeth (p < .01). Stepwise regression analyses indicated that tooth loss was positively associated with age (β = 0.45, p < .01) and ABL (β = 0.39, p < .01). By contrast number of years on ART was negatively associated with tooth loss (β = -0.28, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth loss remains prevalent among HIV+ patients, and periodontal disease is a significant contributor. The number of years on ART seem to improve oral health behavior and reduce tooth loss.