Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
HIV/AIDS

HIV-related conditions occur in a large proportion of patients, and frequently are misdiagnosed or inadequately treated. Dental expertise is necessary for appropriate management of oral manifestations of HIV infection or AIDS, but many patients do not receive adequate dental care. Often the first health care provider to notice signs and symptoms of HIV infection in patients is the patient's dental hygienist. Some common or notable HIV-related oral conditions include:

  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
  • Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
  • Oral hairy Leukoplakia
  • Periodontal disease
  • Kaposi's sarcoma
  • Human papilloma virus-associated warts
  • Herpes simplex virus lesions
  • Recurrent canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
  • Neutropenic ulcers
Oral Health and HIV
For individuals with unknown HIV status, oral manifestations may suggest possible HIV infections, although they are not diagnostic of infection. For persons living with HIV disease who are not yet on therapy, the presence of certain oral manifestations may signal progression of HIV disease.

HIV infection often results in immune abnormalities in mucosal surfaces that interact with the outside world of bacteria and micro-organisms, like the oral cavity. Altered immune systems can result in an increased rate of gum disease that leads to tooth decay, as well as yeast infections and dry mouth.

HIV patients have a hard enough time living with their condition, and dealing with symptoms like oral thrush, dry mouth, and herpes simplex can decrease quality of life, and make it difficult for patients to undergo treatment. The best way to address the oral symptoms of HIV/AIDS is to utilize the new standard of oral care that MedActive offers.

Oral Thrush and HIV
Oral thrush appears as white patches on the tongue, inside the cheeks, under the tongue, in the back of the throat and is very common in HIV patients. Because HIV patients suffer from a dramatically weakened immune system, the Candida albicans organism that causes thrush can spread to the esophagus, causing a condition known as Candida esophagitis. In fact, Candida esophagitis is considered an AIDS-defining illness, a term used to describe an opportunistic illness that points out HIV is progressing into full-blown AIDS.

Thrush will continue to reoccur in HIV patients as long as the patient is infected and taking treatment medications. Antifungal medications to treat Candida Albicans can become ineffective in treating the condition as this organism develops a resistance to medications. Prescription antifungal medications also have limitations, such as toxicity.

HIV & Pneumonia
HIV positive persons are at greater risk for bacterial pneumonia than are HIV negative individuals. Bacterial pneumonia is a frequent complication of HIV infection, and it often precedes other opportunistic infections. In many people, bacterial pneumonia may be the first manifestation of undiagnosed HIV infection. HIV patients' immune systems can mount little fight against the infections, meaning that bacterial pneumonia can be very serious, even deadly of not treated appropriately.

In HIV positive people, bacterial pneumonia is frequently recurrent; in fact, recurrent bacterial pneumonia, defined as two or more episodes within 12 months, became an AIDS-defining illness in the CDC's 1993 Expanded Surveillance Case Definition for AIDS Among Adolescents and Adults. Persons with multiple episodes of bacterial pneumonia may develop bronchies tasis (permanent destruction and dilatation of the bronchial airways) and other irreversible damage to their lungs.

Secondary Infection
Compromised immune systems tend to leave the mouth, and the digestive and respiratory systems at high risk of secondary infection from reduced ability to destroy harmful pathogens. Saliva is an integral part of the body's general immune system, containing powerful antibodies, and when this component is significantly reduced, the "doorway to the body" is compromised and the risk of secondary infection rises.

How can MEDActive® help?
HIV/AIDS patients are at high risk of developing further infections and the transmission of bacteria through the oral cavity can cause further complications.

Utilizing MEDActive's® Patient-Friendly™ Oral Relief Rinse is the first step to maintaining oral health for HIV/AIDS patients. It is an optimal counter response to insufficient saliva production. It can help to:

  • Remineralize and strengthen tooth surface
  • Balance flora
  • Provide defense and protection of the oral cavity
  • Relieve dry mouth discomfort
  • Control the progression of oral complications
  • Improve quality of life
At MedActive Oral Pharmaceuticals, we specialize in effective oral care protocols in the relief of discomfort of serious oral complications and related adverse medical issues.

To learn more, please see:
Oral Relief Protocol
for HIV/AIDS

The MEDActive® Oral Relief Protocol is an effective regimen for supporting daily good oral health.

The following are recommended to maintain HIV/AIDS Oral Health and support good overall health:

  • Cleaning
  • Lubricating
  • Moisturizing
  • Protecting
MEDActive® Oral Relief Products are specially formulated to perform the four functions listed above while simultaneously enhancing saliva flow throughout the mouth and throat. Maintaining a clean, moist and well lubricated mouth serves to support good general health and enhanced quality of life.

Recommended Daily Oral Regimen for Senior Oral Health:

Cleaning

STEP 1. Floss

Floss at least once a day to remove debris and plaque from between teeth. Rinse mouth with water after flossing.

STEP 2. Brush

Brush teeth and gums with a soft bristle toothbrush at least twice daily. Thoroughly clean your toothbrush with hot water after each use. Replace toothbrush at least every three months or until bristles are frayed.

STEP 3. Rinse

Using MEDActive® Oral Relief Rinse, apply about half of the rinse for at least 60 seconds. Swish rinse over all mouth surfaces to make contact with teeth, gums, tongue, and palette. Gently gargle for 10-15 seconds with remaining half. Expectorate (Spit). For optimal effectiveness, tilt head back while gargling to reach back of the throat. Note: Do not eat or drink for at least 15 minutes after rinsing. Use the rinse once daily, just prior to retiring at night.

Lubricating

STEP 4. Spray

Use MEDActive® Oral Relief Spray as needed throughout the day. Apply 3-4 sprays on tongue; swish vigorously to cover all mouth surfaces. Note: Avoid food and drinks for at least 10 minutes after use.

Moisturizing

STEP 5. Lozenges

Recommended Use: Up to 8 MEDActive® Oral Relief Lozenges per day. For optimal effectiveness in enhancing saliva, eventually move lozenge under the tongue. Note: Avoid drinks for at least 15 minutes after use.

Protecting

  • Continue flossing and rinsing daily, preferably just before retiring at night.
  • Brush at least twice a day.
  • Supplement daily rinsing and flossing with spray and lozenges as required throughout the day. Preferably use the spray after meals, snacks, and coffee breaks.
  • Schedule regular visits with your dental professional for cleanings and exams. If you notice any signs or symptoms that may suggest oral health problems, contact your doctor and/or dental professional.

Other Considerations
  • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, as these will make your mouth drier.
  • Avoid candy, gum, and soda unless they are sugar-free.
  • Avoid spicy or acidic foods, toothpicks, tobacco products, and alcohol.
  • Keep the appointment schedule recommended by your doctor and/or dental professional.
  • Notify your doctor and/or dental professional about any changes in your oral health.

Remember, Persons classified as "At-Risk" or "High-Risk" because of age, occupation, environmental or health factors should pay very special attention to the mouth's care and condition. MEDActive® Oral Relief Products and Protocols provide safe and highly effective tools to clean, lubricate, moisten and protect.


For further product information, see below:

Oral Relief Rinse
Oral Relief Spray
Oral Relief Lozenges

For purchase information, see below:



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