General and oral manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection: a general overview with guidelines for infection control in the dental practice.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), responsible for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, has in the span of a decade become an epidemic of global proportions. Oral lesions, head and neck diseases are often the first manifestations of HIV-1 infection and AIDS. It is essential for all dentists to familiarize themselves with the oral manifestations of HIV-infection as well as the dental management of such manifestations. In addition to all health care, professionals should become acquainted with the "universal precautions" recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, in order to protect themselves, their staff, and their patients to minimize, if not totally eliminate, any risk of infectious disease transmission in the health care setting. This paper presents a general overview of the human immunodeficiency virus; oral manifestations of HIV-infection; "universal precautions" and guidelines for the control of infection in the dental practice.