Oral manifestations associated with HIV infection

Oral lesions are among the early signs of HIV infection and can predict progression to AIDS. The lesions commonly associated with the infection include oral candidiasis, herpes simplex infection, oral Kaposi's sarcoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, parotid gland enlargement, gingival diseases, xerostomia, and recurrent oral ulcerations. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has changed the epidemiology of some of the oral diseases associated with HIV infection. This review discusses the oral manifestations associated with HIV disease, the change in the pattern of the disease, and some research questions that need more emphasis from the research community.