HIV-Associated Oral Lesions and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: The Forgotten Burden and the Need for a Renewed Research Agenda

HIV-associated oral diseases, Oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL); People living with HIV; Oral manifestations; Research agenda

Malie Thabo1*
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of
Health Sciences, Centre for Quality of Health
and Living,
ORCID: 0009 0004 0601 5163
Email: malietdr87@gmail.com

Makhoahle Pakiso Moses2
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of
Health Sciences, Centre for Quality of Health
and Living,
ORCID: 0000-0001-6131-9419
Email: pmakhoahle@cut.ac.za

Address for correspondence: Malie Thabo,
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of
Health Sciences, Centre for Quality of Health
and Living, Email: malietdr87@gmail.com

Received:20-06-2026
Revised:22-07-2026
Accepted: 25-07-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(7s), 31–41

HIV-Associated Oral Lesions and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: The Forgotten Burden and the Need for a Renewed Research Agenda

Despite remarkable progress in HIV prevention, diagnosis, and antiretroviral therapy, oral health remains an under-recognized component of comprehensive HIV care. HIV-associated oral diseases continue to affect millions of people living with HIV (PLWH), particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of HIV is highest. Oral manifestations such as oral candidiasis, periodontal diseases, oral hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi sarcoma, salivary gland disorders, and oral ulcerations are associated with immune suppression, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. Beyond their clinical significance, these conditions adversely affect oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) by impairing eating, speaking, social interactions, psychological well-being, and overall daily functioning. This narrative review synthesises current evidence on the prevalence, distribution, and determinants of HIV-associated oral diseases and examines their impact on OHRQoL among PLWH. The review highlights the complex interplay between oral manifestations, immunological markers, viral suppression, socioeconomic factors, and access to oral healthcare services. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the epidemiology of HIV infection, research focusing on oral health outcomes and patient-reported quality-of-life measures remains limited, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Existing studies demonstrate a significant association between oral lesions and poorer OHRQoL; however, important knowledge gaps persist regarding the long-term effects of oral diseases, contextual determinants, and effective intervention strategies. The review argues that oral health should be integrated into HIV care frameworks and public health policies to improve overall health outcomes and well-being. It also calls for a renewed research agenda that prioritizes multidisciplinary investigations, standardized assessment tools, longitudinal studies, and contextspecific interventions to reduce the burden of HIV-associated oral diseases and improve the quality of life among PLWH. Addressing these gaps is essential to advancing person-centred HIV care and achieving equitable health outcomes in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy.

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