Stronger Smiles for a Suppressed Immune System

Your mouth is not just for eating or smiling, it’s a gateway to your overall health. According to the medical and dental experts at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, USA, certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s ability to fight infection. This can make oral health problems worse.

When someone has a suppressed immune system, whether due to HIV/AIDS or other cause, the risk of oral health issues increases. HIV damages the immune system by targeting CD4 T cells, making the body less able to fight off infections. In turn, this weakened immune state means the mouth’s natural defences (such as saliva and gum health) are compromised, which can lead to a higher incidence of gum disease, mouth sores, and other oral infections.

Why does the mouth become more vulnerable?

A suppressed immune system means that common oral bacteria and fungi can more easily cause problems that a healthy immune system would normally control. For example, people living with HIV may be more prone to conditions such as oral candidiasis (thrush), hairy leucoplakia, and periodontal disease.

Saliva plays a protective role by washing away food particles and neutralising acids. When saliva flow is reduced (as can happen with certain medications or with systemic illness), the risk of decay and gum disease goes up. The mouth is full of microbes and inflammation. Oral germs and oral swelling and irritation are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis.

What does this mean?

If your immune system is suppressed, you may need to be more vigilant with your oral hygiene

• Brushing twice daily
• Cleaning between your teeth daily (flossing, water-flosser, interdental cleaners)
• Having regular dental check-ups

It’s a good idea to let your dentist and hygienist know about your immune status (for example that you have HIV/AIDS or another condition affecting immunity) so they can tailor your care.

Make changes to your lifestyle

• Reduce sugar intakr
• Avoid tobacco products
• Eat a well-balanced diet and stay hydrated

These support both your immune system and your oral health.

Watch for signs of trouble:

• Persistent mouth sores
• Red or bleeding gums
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Loose teeth or shifts in bite

All of these may signal underlying issues, particularly in someone with a weakened immune system.

Oral infections don’t just stay in the mouth. They can spread or trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body, which is especially concerning when your immune defences are already compromised. Maintaining good oral health is part of maintaining your broader health.

New Benefit

DeCare have a new dental benefit* for people with a suppressed immune system (Healthy Smiles Level 3 or higher and Team Care Level 2 or higher). This benefit provides for an additional professional cleaning per calendar year for people with medically documented immune suppression, such as HIV/AIDS.

This benefit is designed to support individuals who face higher oral health risks due to reduced immunity. It helps members access tailored care pathways, enhanced coordination with dental teams, and extra preventive support to maintain oral health and overall wellbeing when the body’s natural defences are compromised.

*Effective 1st January 2026