Dental Health at Poz Lounge Gathering

At our most recent Poz Lounge Gathering, held in collaboration with Positive Life South Australia (PLSA), we were lucky enough to have guests from the Adelaide Dental Hospital and Bobby Goldsmith Foundation talk with community members about the importance of dental and oral health.

It was an opportunity for those at the lunch to get important advice on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and where people living with HIV could find dental support if needed. They also learnt about the history of the dental hospital and what has changed in how care is offered to people living with HIV.

Previous research has indicated that antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications and HIV itself may impact a person’s health if they do not care for their oral health on a regular basis. For example, conditions such as dry mouth can cause teeth to be easily damaged or develop decay due to a lack of protection from saliva. Poor oral health can also lead to other health conditions and reduced quality of life if left untreated.

Our regular Poz Lounge activities and services were also available. This included a massage therapist offering short massages as well as our food pantry for those needing some emergency staples. Plus, a SAMESH team member assisted attendees with registering online for their COVID-19 vaccinations.

If you are a person living with HIV and would be interested in attending the Poz Lounge Gathering, you can find event dates listed on our Facebook page.
Positive Lounge Gathering(PLG)- Friday 19th Feb. Come join us! (facebook.com)

SAMESH also have FREE mini-dental care packs available for people living with HIV. Packs include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. To find out how you can access these packs visit contact us.

If you have questions regarding your oral health or need to see a dentist, you can contact the Adelaide Dental Hospital:
Phone: 1300 008 222
Emergency phone: 1800 002 222
Email: HealthSADSPublic@sa.gov.au