Since there is a high rate of AIDS/HIV victims in Rwanda, the Oral Health Foundation Rwanda (OHFR) likes to pay special attention to the relation between HIV / AIDS and dental care. It is estimate that more than a million people in Rwanda living with HIV or AIDS.

There are many dental health issues associated with HIV/AIDS Changes in the mouth are common in a person with a weakened immune system and also while taking certain medications. Many of the medications prescribed for a person with HIV/ AIDS can also contribute to changes in the mouth. The most common side effect from HIV/AIDS medication is dry mouth. Saliva helps to wash away bacteria and the acids that the bacteria produces along with sugars and foods, therefore, producing less saliva as a result of dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay, gingivitis and gum disease. HIV-associated gingivitis has been reported in 15 - 50% of patients with HIV or AIDS. HIV-positive individuals harbour larger numbers of periodontal bacteria than people without HIV. Severe pain is characteristic, along with odour, spontaneous bleeding, ulcers, and swollen, bright red gums. If a patient has a dry mouth, a dentist can prescribe a saliva substitute or a fluoride rinse to help decrease the risk of tooth decay.

Regular dental check ups, brushing twice a day and flossing daily are important factors for people with HIV/AIDS. Dental visits may need to become more frequent as the disease progresses and the immune system weakens. Oral problems can also lead to trouble with eating. If mouth pain or tenderness makes it difficult to chew and swallow, or if the patient can’t taste food as well as he/she used to, the patient may not eat enough. And, the doctor may tell the patient just to eat more than normal so the body has enough energy to deal with HIV.

HIV-positive individuals require more dental care than the average person and with the number of people living with HIV/AIDS expected to grow, the OHFR can provide an essential service. The OHFR will contribute to a better quality of life for HIV/AIDS patients and opens the opportunity to give better treatment.