AT the end of last year, the World Health Organization published that nearly 41 million people, or 170 for every 1,000 people globally, are living with HIV infection. So, should we be concerned? Of course. Although COVID-19 is declining, it seems that the social spotlight has moved away from HIV infection, but the oral health impact is still significant.

Some years ago, HIV surveillance was carried out among patients seeking attention at the National Dental Centre, now called the Dr Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre. Of those presenting questionable oral signs and changes in the cervical lymph nodes, 52 per cent were confirmed as being HIV positive by CAREC in Trinidad.

Two aspects of the problem were examined — oral manifestations and transmission. Oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, remains the most prominent sign seen in people with AIDS. These appear as white patches on the tongue or the mouth’s lining. This condition should be treated early since it could spread to the trachea (windpipe) and oesophagus (gullet). Besides, if this yeast should enter the bloodstream, the systemic effects would be devastating.

Acute gingivitis, stomatitis (sore mouth), Kaposi’s sarcoma, and hairy leucoplakia all constitute early manifestations of HIV infection. General signs and symptoms include persistent diarrhoea, itchy skin rashes, and chronic cold. Contrary to what is being purported, kissing (the amorous manner) still represents a viable mode of transmission of AIDS. In fact, this is being publicised online, yet human society continues to live in denial because of the tremendous consequences of its universal acceptance. Now, this is how the act of kissing can transmit the virus that causes AIDS.

Acute gingivitis and periodontal diseases are prevalent conditions. In fact, it is reported that between 70 and 80 per cent of all people above 18 years old suffer from either disease to some extent. A constant feature is painless bleeding from the granulous tissue found in the gingival pockets, mainly when elicited by pressure on the gums.

Such bleeding may be evident in the toothpaste and saliva one spits out during the process of brushing one’s teeth or on sugar cane after it has been chewed. But this only happens when the condition reaches a significant level. In most people, mild gingivitis goes unnoticed.

Now, amorous kissing, in which the tongue and lips are actively involved, provides enough stimulus on the gums to cause some degree of bleeding from the inflamed tissues. Each partner, therefore, would have a break in the continuity of his or her vascular system.

In other words, there is often the free exchange of blood from one person to another during kissing episodes of lovers, although obviously in minute amounts.

As passionate kissing is blood-borne in nature, an infected person can easily transmit the virus to someone through their bleeding gums via common saliva in the mouths of a passionate kiss. So, while public notices advocate prevention by means of a condom, no sharing of needles, etc., widespread transmission of AIDS continues through a seemingly harmless route.

Indeed, having one faithful partner at a time should not only imply sexual intercourse but also include amorous kissing. Whenever it is necessary to use a cup, spoon, etc., which a person living with AIDS has recently utilised, the items should be soaked in ordinary bleach for at least ten (10) minutes. To date, ordinary bleach is the best-known destroyer of the virus that causes AIDS.