Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome – A pedodontist’s perspective.
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Date
2015-07
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Abstract
AIDS was believed to be associated with a certain group of people, later
the belief changed when the disease start encroaching other set of
people. As science evolved, the knowledge about transmission of the
virus grew and the evidences for the maternal transmission of the virus
were found. Among children, most cases of infection by HIV are
transmitted vertically, i.e., from mother to child. As they have an
immature immune system, which may cause the rapid and severe
progression. Children who are vertically infected present considerable
weight loss, delayed development, delayed dental eruption, fewer
permanent teeth, prolonged retention of primary teeth and various
number of dental anomalies.
The most important comeback by the science was by the
establishment of antiretroviral protocols which has reduced the
occurrence of oral changes. There been a decline in the rate of HIVrelated
oral manifestations following the introduction of HAART. Many
studies evaluating the efficacy of HAART demonstrated positive results
and better lifestyle of the infected children. It is clearly known fact that
there are considerable regional variations in the oral manifestations of
HIV infection, depending both on the populations studied and on the
clinical expertise available, among other factors. This review article
explains the manifestations, dental implications and the various
treatment regimens to be followed in pediatric patients.
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Keywords
AIDS, pediatric dentistry, HIV, HAART, oral manifestations, dental caries
Citation
Joshi AB, Gopakumar M, Hegde AM. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome – A pedodontist’s perspective. International Journal of Medical and Dental Sciences. 2015 July; 4(2): 906-912.