Dental caries status of children receiving Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) - A multicentric cross-sectional study in Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has progressively improved the life expectancies in HIV positive children. These antiretroviral drugs could possibly have an influence on the oral health status. Different age groups of children under HAART with caries had implications in approach to dental treatment, which were attempted to be identified in the study. Aims/Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the caries status among HIV positive children receiving HAART. To characterize the age group with high caries indices and treatment needs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 HIV infected children aged 3–14 years receiving HAART from various ART centers Tamil Nadu, India. Dental examinations were performed and caries status of primary and permanent dentition was assessed using Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth (DMFT)/Decayed, Missing, and Filled surface (DMFS) indices. Statistical Analysis: The one way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey HSD test. Results: The mean deft/DMFT scores were 3.15 ± 2.72/2.07 ± 1.31 and defs/DMFS scores were 7.42 ± 5.90/4.30 ± 2.58. The caries incidence was significantly different across the three age groups compared. DMFT scores of 13 − 14 years age group were significantly higher than in the 3−6 years (P < 0.0000) and 7−12 years (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: A higher caries experience was present among children on HAART as compared to the general population in Tamil Nadu. A significant association with increasing age and DMFT scores was noted. Age groups of 13−14 had high caries prevalence than age groups of 3−6 and 7−12 years in given study population. The individualized treatment approaches based on the age groups is suggested.