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This information is for people who have mouth (oral) problems related to HIV infection. It 

explains the most common oral problems linked to HIV and shows what they look like. It also 

describes where in the mouth they occur and how they are treated. 

They are common 

Oral problems are very common in people with HIV. More than a third of people living with HIV 

have oral conditions that arise because of their weakened immune system. And even though 

combination antiretroviral therapy has made some oral problems less common, others are 

occurring more often with this type of treatment. 

They can be painful, annoying, and lead to other problems 

You may be told that oral problems are minor compared to other things you have to deal with. 

But you know that they can cause discomfort and embarrassment and really affect how you feel 

about yourself. Oral problems can also lead to trouble with eating. If mouth pain or tenderness 

makes it difficult to chew and swallow, or if you can’t taste food as well as you used to, you may 

not eat enough. And, your doctor may tell you to eat more than normal so your body has enough 

energy to deal with HIV. 

They can be treated 

The most common oral problems linked with HIV can be treated. So talk with your doctor or 

dentist about what treatment might work for you. 

Remember, with the right treatment, your mouth can feel better. And that’s an important 

step toward living well, not just longer, with HIV. 

If You Have Dry Mouth 

Dry mouth happens when you do not 

have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your 

mouth wet. Saliva helps you chew and 

digest food, protects teeth from decay, 

and prevents infections by controlling 

bacteria and fungi in the mouth. Without 

enough saliva you could develop tooth 

decay or other infections and might have 

trouble chewing and swallowing. Your 

mouth might also feel sticky, dry and 

have a burning feeling. And you may 

have cracked, chapped lips. 

To help with a dry mouth, try these 

things: 

●	 Sip water or sugarless drinks 

often 

●	 Chew sugarless gum or suck 

on sugarless hard candy 

●	 Avoid tobacco 

●	 Avoid alcohol 

●	 Avoid salty foods 

●	 Use a humidifier at night 

Talk to your doctor or dentist about 

prescribing artificial saliva, which may 

help keep your mouth moist. 
Photo Description

 

Red sores 

ulcers 

It could be: 

Aphthous (AF-thus) ulcers.

Also known as Canker Sores 

OR 

Herpes (HER-peez) A viral

infection 

What & where? 

Red sores that might also

have a yellow-gray film on

top. They are usually on the

moveable parts of the mouth

such as the tongue or inside

of the cheeks and lips. 

Red sores usually on the

roof of the mouth. They are

sometimes on the outside of 

the lips, where they are

called fever blisters. 

Painful? 

Yes 

Sometimes 

Contagious? 

No 

Yes 

Treatment 

Mild cases – Over-the-counter 

cream or prescription mouthwash

that contains corticosteroids; More 

severe cases – corticosteroids in a 

pill form 

Prescription pill can reduce healing

time and frequency of outbreaks. 

White hairlike 

growth 

Hairy Leukoplakia (Loo-koPLAY-key-uh) caused by

the Epstein-Barr virus 

White patches that do not

wipe away; sometimes very

thick and “hairlike.” Usually

appear on the side of the

tongue or sometimes inside

the cheeks and lower lip. 

Not 

usually 

No Mild cases – not usually required;

More severe cases – a prescription

pill that may reduce severity of

symptoms. In some severe cases,

a pain reliever might also be

required. 

White creamy

or bumpy

patches like 

cottage cheese 

Candidiasis (CAN-di-dye-uhsis), a fungal (yeast)

infection – Also known as 

thrush 

White or yellowish patches

(or can sometimes be red).

If wiped away, there will be

redness or bleeding

underneath. They can

appear anywhere in the

mouth. 

Sometimes, 

a burning

feeling 

No Mild cases – prescription antifungal

lozenge or mouthwash; More

severe cases – prescription

antifungal pills. 

Warts Small, white, gray, or Not Possibly Inside the mouth – a doctor can 

pinkish rough bumps that usually remove them surgically or use

look like cauliflower. They “cryosurgery” – a way of freezing

can appear inside the lips them off; On the lips – a

and on other parts of the prescription cream that will wear

mouth. away the wart. Warts can return

after treatment.
This publication is not copyrighted. Make as many photocopies as you need. 

This publication is available only on the Web. 

NIH Publication No. 04-5320 

March 2004 

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 

www.nidcr.nih.gov 

National Institutes of Health 

Department of Health and Human Services