Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Gum disease is common amongst adults and is characterized by chronic swelling of the gums surrounding the teeth. This inflammation is caused by bacteria that can enter the bloodstream and increase the risk of several diseases, including heart disease. The risk of gum disease may have serious health consequences for immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV. Those living with HIV are already at a risk for accelerated aging due to their weakened immune system and it is hypothesized that there is a link between gum disease of an HIV positive individual and an increase in accelerated aging. This research can help improve the lives of those impacted with HIV by educating them about the risk of oral inflammatory diseases. By decreasing the amount of inflammation in the oral cavity, there could be an overall decrease of inflammatory biomarkers. This, in turn, may help slow down the destruction of the heart and other organs in HIV positive individuals and improve their quality of life as well as their longevity.