This study examined prevalence of oral lesions and how it relates to CD4 percentages in vertically infected children with HIV undergoing combination antiretroviral therapy. One hundred two HIV-infected children between the ages of 3 and 15 years attending a specialized pediatric outpatient clinic were examined for oral lesions, and their CD4 percent and viral load extracted from their medical records. Of the 102 HIV-infected children, 69% had evidence of oral pathology and 31% were disease free. The proportion with disease was: 20.6% had conventional gingivitis, 19.6% had dental caries in their primary and permanent teeth combined, 13.7% had depapillated tongue, 3.9% had early childhood caries, 2.9% had oral candidiasis, 2% had bilateral enlarged parotid gland, 1% had median rhomboid glossitis, 1% had enlarged cervical lymph nodes and 2% had other developmental abnormalities. In the group with no evidence of suppression 15% had gingival lesion, 14% tongue lesion, and 1% parotid enlargement, and in the severe suppression group 55% had gingival lesion, 45% had tongue lesion, 9% had enlarged cervical lymph nodes, and another 9% had parotid gland enlargement. The association between conventional gingivitis and low CD4 percent was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Compared to previous studies, overall prevalence estimates of oral lesions in this study was low. Children with low CD4 percent had more oral lesions, consistent with results from other HIV studies.

Our findings suggest that maternal high MS levels, maternal active decay and maternal sugar consumption are strong risk indicators for children's caries. Although further study is needed, these three maternal risk indicators, taken together, may prove useful in predicting children's caries risk.

Purpose To examine acculturation and established risk factors in explaining variation in periodontitis prevalence among Hispanic/Latino subgroups. Methods Participants were 12,730 dentate adults aged 18–74 years recruited into the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) from four U.S. field centers between 2008 and 2011. A standardized periodontal assessment measured probing pocket depth and gingival recession at six sites per tooth for up to 28 teeth. Periodontitis was defined according to the CDC/AAP case classifications developed for population surveillance. Covariates included acculturation indicators and established periodontitis risk factors. Survey estimation procedures took account of the complex sampling design. Adjusted multivariate binomial regression estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence limits (95% CL). Results Unadjusted prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis was 38.5% and ranged from 24.7% among Dominicans to 52.1% among Cubans. Adjusted prevalence ratios for subgroups relative to Dominicans were: 1.34 (95% CL: 1.13, 1.58) among South Americans; 1.37 (95% CL: 1.17, 1.61) among Puerto Ricans; 1.43 (95% CL: 1.25, 1.64) among Mexicans; 1.53 (95% CL: 1.32, 1.76) among Cubans; and 1.55 (95% CL: 1.35, 1.78) among Central Americans. Conclusion Heterogeneity in prevalence of moderate/severe periodontitis among Hispanic/Latino subpopulations was not explained by acculturation or periodontitis risk factors.

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between diabetes mellitus and missing teeth in Hispanic/Latino adults from diverse heritage groups who reside in the USA.Research design and methodsThe Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multicenter, population-based study of 18–74 years old who underwent a physical and oral examination (n=15 945). Glycemic status was categorized as diabetes, impaired, or normal, based on medication use, and American Diabetes Association criteria for fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). HbA1c<7% indicated good glycemic control, and HbA1c>7% indicated uncontrolled diabetes. We estimated ORs and 95% CIs for missing >9 teeth and being edentulous (missing all natural teeth), after adjustment for age, income, education, Hispanic background, study site/center, nativity, last dental visit, health insurance, diet quality, cigarette smoking, obesity, periodontitis, and C reactive protein.ResultsPersons with uncontrolled diabetes had a significant increased likelihood of missing >9 teeth and being edentulous as compared with persons with normal glycemic status (adjusted OR=1.92, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.55 and adjusted OR=1.73, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.46, respectively). The association appeared to be stronger at younger ages (18–44 years old; p for interaction <0.0001). However, we found no associations of either impaired glycemia or controlled diabetes with tooth loss in adjusted models.ConclusionsDentists should be aware of their Hispanic patients' diabetes status and whether or not they are well controlled, because these may affect tooth loss and impair oral function, which can lead to poor nutrition and complications of diabetes.