What do systematic reviews say?

Living with HIV and undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART/HAART) vs HIV-negative individuals

In cross-sectional studies, children and adolescents with HIV on antiretroviral therapy had about twice the odds of dental caries versus HIV-negative peers (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.42; very low certainty).

• Association between antiretroviral therapy and dental caries in children and adolescents with HIV: a systematic review… 2025 All outcomes

  Not specified (cross-sectional) · Dental examination of children/adolescents with HIV in clinic and community settings; low- and middle-income countries (Brazil, India, Nigeria, Cambodia, Uganda, West Africa) · Cross-sectional studies
  OR 2.04 [1.21, 3.42]
  6 studies · 2206 participants
  Very low
• Association between antiretroviral therapy and dental caries in children and adolescents with HIV: a systematic review… 2025 All outcomes

  Not specified (case-control) · Dental examination of children/adolescents with HIV in clinic and community settings; low- and middle-income countries (Brazil, India, Nigeria, Cambodia, Uganda, West Africa) · Case-control studies
  OR 3.15 [0.98, 10.15]
  1 study · 99 participants
  Very low
• Association between antiretroviral therapy and dental caries in children and adolescents with HIV: a systematic review… 2025 All outcomes

  Prospective follow-up (single cohort) · Dental examination of children/adolescents with HIV in clinic and community settings; low- and middle-income countries (Brazil, India, Nigeria, Cambodia, Uganda, West Africa) · Cohort studies
  OR 2.11 [1.41, 3.17]
  1 study · 544 participants
  Very low