HIV mouth sores: Pictures, causes, treatment, and prevention

People living with HIV are more likely to develop oral health problems because the virus can weaken the immune system, which makes it harder to fight infection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 40–50 percent of people living with HIV have oral infections that can cause complications in the mouth, including sores.

Mouth sores can be painful and make eating, swallowing, and taking medications more challenging.

In this article, we look at the causes and treatment of mouth sores in people living with HIV. We also cover some general prevention tips and when to see a doctor.

Pictures

Oral herpes

Human papillomavirus

Canker sores

Oral thrush

Gum disease

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Oral herpes

Oral herpes can cause painful red sores on the lips, gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks. These lesions are commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, and they result from infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Additional symptoms may include:

• fever
• fatigue
• muscle aches
• swollen or painful lymph nodes
• a burning or tingling sensation near the sores

Anyone can get oral herpes, but HIV increases the risk for opportunistic infections, such as HSV. People with untreated HIV may experience more prolonged and severe outbreaks of cold sores.

HSV is a common and highly contagious infection. It is possible to contract oral herpes through direct contact with the saliva or cold sores of someone with the infection. Transmission is more likely to occur during an outbreak of sores.

People can reduce their risk of contracting HSV by not kissing or sharing foods with someone with oral herpes, especially during an outbreak.

HSV can also cause genital herpes, which a person can transmit during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Herpes is treatable. Doctors may prescribe oral antiviral medications, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir.

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection of the mouth. The infection presents as white or yellow patches on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or the inside of the cheeks.

Anyone can get oral thrush, but infants, older people, and individuals with a weakened immune system have a higher risk.

Other symptoms can include:

• a burning sensation that may cause difficulty swallowing
• loss of taste
• dry mouth

People can treat oral thrush with antifungal mouthwash and medications.

Dry mouth

HIV can cause the salivary glands to swell, which can lead to reduced saliva production and dry mouth. Saliva protects the teeth and gums from plaque and helps fight off infection. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of HIV medications.

Symptoms of dry mouth include:

• trouble chewing and swallowing dry foods
• difficulty speaking
• a painful tongue
• inflammation of the tongue
• ulcers on the tongue
• bad breath

People can treat dry mouth by keeping their mouth clean and staying hydrated. If dry mouth persists, a person may want to consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional. Dry mouth can lead to other complications, such as gum disease.

Gum disease

Gum disease is an infection that results in swollen, painful gums. In severe cases, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. It can also be a sign of inflammation in other parts of the body.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• red, swollen, or tender gums
• bleeding gums
• loose or sensitive teeth
• pain when chewing

People can prevent and treat gum disease with good oral hygiene practices, which include:

• brushing the teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• flossing daily
• using mouthwash
• having regular dental checkups

For severe gum disease, a dentist may prescribe antimicrobial mouthwash, antibiotic gels, or oral antibiotics.

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Kaposi’s sarcoma, or KS, is a type of cancer that causes blue or purple bumps to grow under the skin in the mouth, nose, and anus.

Symptoms of KS may include:

• difficulty eating or swallowing
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• an unexplained cough
• chest pain
• swelling of the extremities

People living with HIV have a much higher risk of developing KS than people without HIV. However, KS is becoming less common now that effective HIV treatments are available.

The treatment for people with KS depends on the number of tumors, their location, and the condition of the immune system. Treatment options include:

• antiretroviral therapy
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy

Going to a dentist for regular checkups is a good way to prevent mouth sores. Dentists can help people manage symptoms of existing mouth sores and prevent future sores from developing.

Some other ways to prevent mouth sores include:

• taking HIV medications consistently
• practicing good oral hygiene
• quitting smoking
• staying hydrated
• avoiding spicy and acidic foods and beverages
• eating a balanced and healthful diet

When to see a doctor

It is advisable to see a doctor for mouth sores that:

• are very painful
• last for more than 1–2 weeks
• make it difficult to take medications
• affect a person’s ability to eat, swallow, or talk
• occur alongside other symptoms

Takeaway

Mouth sores are a common symptom of HIV, and they have several possible causes. People can manage most types of mouth sore with proper oral hygiene.

It is also important to see a dentist for regular checkups. Dentists can help manage symptoms of oral infections and prevent recurring mouth sores.

Source: Read Full Article