Moniaci et al (1) reported that the frequency of of acute ulcero-necrotic gingivitis in the HIV+ population is 0.67% (3.3% if only the homosexual population is taken into consideration) compared to 0.02-0.08% in the normal population.
Williams et al (2) described a case of HIV-associated periodontitis complicated by necrotizing stomatitis in a homosexual male patient with AIDS. In this case, initial resolution resulted from local debridement in association with metronidazole therapy. Long-term clinical management consisted of monthly professional prophylaxis, good oral hygiene, and daily rinses with chlorhexidine.
Gowdey and Alijanian (3) emphasized that aggressive HIV-related periodontal lesions can be managed by general practitioners using standard scaling and root planing procedures in combination with proper antibiotic and antimicrobial pharmaceuticals; these lesions can be managed over long periods of time with adequate home care and professional recall; motivation from both the dental team and the patient can translate into a very rewarding result which can improve the quality of life for persons who experience the extreme consequences of HIV-associated dental disease.