Looking after your mouth and teeth is an important part of maintaining your general health. It can also give you clues about the condition of your immune system. Good oral health care can catch infections early and prevent severe conditions developing.

Good oral health

• Check-ups and Early Intervention are essential and can be covered by Medicare. Early treatment can prevent serious problems
• Find a dentist who has experience of HIV and who you feel comfortable with. Ask friends for recommendations or speak to your GP
• Regularly inspect the inside of your mouth for signs of infection or sores
• Drink plenty of tap water: 2-3 litres per day. Tap water contains fluoride, which prevents tooth decay. Bottled water doesn't
• Thoroughly brush your teeth after meals. Ask your dentist to show you how to properly brush your teeth
• Use toothpaste or rinses that contain fluoride
• Floss once a day. Ask your dentist to show you how best to floss
• Use a mouthwash regularly. It can add fluoride to your teeth, kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath, reduce plaque that can cause cavities, and prevent gum disease

Although these things are basic, they can be the difference between keeping your teeth or losing them.

More info

Contact: ACON’s HIV Health Promotion Team

Tel: (02) 9206 2000
Free Call: 1800 063 060
Hearing Impaired: (02) 9283 2088

Email: hivliving@acon.org.au