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Hi. Anyone Experience Dental Issues Related To Their HIV Meds?
A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭

Anyone experience dental issues, such as cavities, loss of, or soft enamel and/or gum erosion as an adverse effect of their HIV meds, Atripla, specifically? I've been taking Atripla since it became available, 10+ yrs ago, and I'm having these dental issues, despite taking care of my teeth. My dentist thinks it's from the meds causing dry mouth, so that bacteria thrives in the mouth, softening enamel at the gumline, creating a good environment for cavities to form.

posted November 22, 2018
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A myHIVteam Member

Ramon, I read your post and I need to tell you that all Dentist are to practice using Universal Precautions, I have never told the dentist anything about being POZ and I make sure I don't tell them about the HIV meds! Nowadays it's thier responsibility to protect you and themselves! Some on this site might not like how I handle this, but I'm old school POZ and 30yrs ago no dentist would touch you! Praying for you my friend!

posted November 27, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

I've been reading some of the horror stories related to dental problems and how hopeless some feel! This is an area that absolutely freaks me out! I'm in the same boat and the thought of loosing my teeth is something I just can't deal with! Two years ago my lower 4 from teeth turned to pulp and disintegrated! The meds have blocked the absorption of phosphorus and calcium and I have osteoporosis! Just sayin! I saw the post about the high cost of Biotene and need to let everyone know that Target now carries a 33oz bottle of thier brand for 5 bucks and yes it does help! Hope everyone takes this issue seriously before it's too late!

posted November 27, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

We told our dentist our HIV status when we first started going to him 14 yrs ago and he and his staff have never been anything but super to us . . . give 'em a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised.

posted November 26, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

Have you tried gargles with 75%water and 25% Hydrogen peroxide, DO NOT SWALLOW, it can be deadly but it wirk getting rid of bacteria.

posted November 29, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

I do take Atripla. I have always had great teeth and healthy mouth. I don't know if it is age or the meds (maybe a little of both) but I have had to start paying attention to my dental hygiene more - brush more than once a day and floss, floss, floss. I do more than just floss - after I brush I use the soft picks between my teeth to massage my gums and clean in between.

What I do at night, when I wake up is keep a cup of water and just take a sip to make sure I don't get dry mouth. Not saying it's perfect but it helps.

posted November 23, 2018

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