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.