ABSTRACT
  Oral hairy leukoplakia was reported in 1984 for the first time. It is caused by the Epstein Barr Virus, and it is an early indicator of an immune deficiency status. This lesion is usually asymptomatic and it is common in people with HIV infection. For all HIV patients, a comprehensive periodontal and dental treatment should be done because oral tissues may reflect immune deficiency status. And nearly all HIV-infected individuals develop oral lesions at some time during their illness.  checkups allow detecting any potential problems that may not even be aware of it. So, detailed history and clinical examination can allow the dentist to diagnose a life-threatening disease.