AIDS Patients & Dry Mouth Symptoms
Meet the Author: Sara Juliano, RDH
I have been a registered dental hygienist for over a decade. I have had the pleasure of working with amazing patients and educating them on their oral health throughout my career. Recently, I made the conscious decision to branch out within the dental field, choosing to maintain my dental hygiene license, and become a dental educator. With a passion for oral and systemic health, I have seen clinically the direct impact systemic health can have on oral health. I will be extending my knowledge outside of the dental chair into the world and make an impact on the lives of others. Learn more about Sara, here.
Meet the Author: Sara Juliano, RDH
I have been a registered dental hygienist for over a decade. With a passion for oral and systemic health, I have seen clinically the direct impact systemic health can have on oral health. I will be extending my knowledge outside of the dental chair into the world and make an impact on the lives of others. Learn more about Sara, here.
What is AIDS?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV damages your immune system and interferes with your body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
However, when HIV is present in the body, it destroys and attacks the CD4 helper T-cells, which are responsible for the adaptive immune system to fight off infectious diseases. The more these vital immune-supporting cells are destroyed, the weaker the immune system becomes. This leaves the body weak and unable to resist infections as simple as a cold.
HIV will progress into AIDS when there are less than 200 CD4 T-cells per cubic millimeter of blood. AIDS is the weakest form of the virus, and several antiviral medications are necessary to aid in assisting the immune system to sustain life for the person suffering from this chronic virus.
Moreover, the oral cavity and saliva help protect the body against various microorganisms. A weaker immune system can increase the likelihood of disease, and negatively affect organs and glands within the body. Unfortunately, disruptions of salivary glands can lead to uncomfortable dry mouth symptoms and more prone to oral diseases.
How does AIDS affect the body as a whole?
AIDS may leave the body vulnerable to ‘opportunistic’ infections, which take advantage of the body’s weakened immune state. This increases the risk for systemic diseases and chronic systemic inflammation. This may develop into:
- Kaposi Sarcoma: a cancerous lesion of the soft tissue and mucosa lining that can present itself in the mouth, nose, throat, lymph nodes, and skin.
- Increased risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks due to the body’s weakened immune response.
- Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Pulmonary Hypertension.
- Reduced bone and mineral density resulting from antiviral medications which increase the risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as bone fractures and breaks.
How does AIDS Affect Your Mouth?
If you are immunocompromised, as is the case for AIDS patients, your immune system is unable to fight off foreign bacteria and infections in your mouth. This will make you more susceptible to oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, as well as fungal infections such as thrush (candida infections).
Having a chronic immunosuppressed system will alter the normal function of all vital organs and glands systemically. This includes the salivary glands that are responsible for the production of saliva. Saliva contains many essential properties that maintain optimal oral health including:
- antibodies
- antimicrobial proteins
- stimulating enzymes
- proteins to fight off infections in the mouth
Dry Mouth Problems Associated with AIDS
Having a strong salivary flow will prevent oral diseases. Maintaining a healthy salivary flow will also prevent infectious microbes from migrating systemically via tissue migration and blood serum. Dry mouth symptoms will increase the risk for oral diseases. Common oral manifestations of AIDS include:
- Fungal infections (thrush, Angular Cheilitis)
- Viral infections (herpes simplex virus)
- Canker sore (aphthous ulcers)
- Bacterial infections (red band gingivitis)
- Periodontal disease (death or necrosis of the periodontium)
- Salivary gland disease causing cysts or tumors in the salivary glands
- Oral lesions such as candidiasis, oral hairy leukoplakia, herpetic ulcers
- Fungal infections (thrush, Angular Cheilitis)
Ways to Prevent Dry Mouth for AIDS Patients
- Use a dry mouth spray to give you long-lasting moisture and alleviate oral discomfort
- Sometimes dry mouth can increase the risk for altered or metallic taste, an oral rinse for altered or metallic taste can help reduce these symptoms
- Reduce caffeine consumption
- Drink water throughout the day
- Chew sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
- Avoid alcohol (this tends to be very drying to the oral cavity and will increase the inflammatory process in the mouth)
- Use a prebiotic oral rinse to aid in maintaining a healthy normal flora environment
While there is no known cure for AIDS, it is a systemic chronic virus that many live with.
What is Lubricity?
Lubricity is an odorless, flavorless, and colorless spray that is perfect for people who are overly sensitive to taste. Our Dry Mouth Spray also has Zero Calories, NO Gluten, NO Alcohol, NO Sugar, and is Vegan-Friendly!
Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray has 5 simple ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Xylitol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate and Purified Water. This simple formula is clinically proven to alleviate your dry mouth symptoms for up to 4 hours.
How to use Lubricity?
Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray comes in a convenient 0.5 oz and 2oz spray bottle. Simply point and spray 3-5 times per use. When used as directed, Lubricity provides up to 4 hours of relief from dry mouth symptoms.
For best results, we recommend using Lubricity Dry Mouth Spray as follows:
Use Lubricity after a meal and before bed. If needed, Lubricity can be used more than 4 times per day.
*Some may need 3-5 pumps per use, as the bottle needs to be primed upon opening. Relief from symptoms begins immediately. Maximum effectiveness is achieved after 72 hours of continued use.
Important: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your physician before using Lubricity. DO not use Lubricity if you are taking any medications that are contraindicated with the product. Please consult with your physician if you have any concerns regarding the use of this product. Keep out of reach of children.
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