AIDS is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection.
Mouth sores occur with HIV because HIV weakens theimmune system.
This increases the risk of infections in your mouth and throughout your body.
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This article contains images of the types of mouth sores that are common in all stages of HIV.
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At the corners of the mouth:
Angularcheilitiscan appear with or without oral candidiasis.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Dr. Richard Ashtonwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
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HIV mouth sores can also be an indication of disease progression to AIDS.
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It can be an early sign of HIV infection.
Sores can be red, white, or yellowish.
This can compromise the appearance of your mouth, alter your speech, and make chewing and swallowing difficult.
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The result can lead tomalnutrition, emaciation, and increased stress on a weakened immune system.
Canker sores (aphthousulcers): Canker sores are painful small, round sores.
HIV vs. AIDS
HIV is a virus.
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It attacks your immune system.
Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS.
Is It Mouth Sores or Something Else?
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Oral lesions occur as a result of a weakened immune system.
With HIV, your immune system is unable to prevent opportunistic infections sparked by many types of germs.
In some cases, mouth sores appear as an early sign of HIV.
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Mouth sores can also occur when the disease worsens to AIDS.
Getting a prompt diagnosis for any mouth sore is key to getting the right treatment early.
This can help prevent the spread of an oral infection.
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It can also help you manage an HIV infection or other cause of a mouth sore.
Regular dental checkups can help prevent HIV mouth sores and reduce the damage they can cause.
Painful mouth sores can hamper your ability to get proper nutrition and take HIV medications.
Photo Courtesy of CDC/Sol Silverman, Jr., DDS (1999)
2022;58(9):1214. doi:10.3390/medicina58091214
Mount Sinai.Mouth ulcers.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.HIV/AIDS and oral health.
The Wellness Project.HIV and your mouth.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZdermnetnz.org2023.
International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC).HIV and the mouth.
HIV.gov.What are HIV and AIDS?
2016;71(3):128-130.
Biophoto Associates/Pri / Getty Images
