Impact of Dialysis on Periodontal and General Oral Health of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of dialysis on periodontal and general oral health of chronic kidney disease patients.

Methodology: A Cross sectional comparative study was conducted in the department of Nephrology and Urology, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore on 32 patients with chronic kidney disease in the time duration of one year. Chronic kidney disease stage 3, 4 and 5 patients with age above 18 years, belonging to both the genders and same socioeconomic status were a part of the study. Data collection was based on the following parameters: Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN).

Results: There was a statistically non-significant association between stage of chronic kidney disease and periodontal health of patients undergoing dialysis (p=0.185) and general oral health (p=0.120).

Practical Implication: This study will help dental practitioners understand the impact of renal dialysis on general oral and periodontal health of patients with chronic kidney disease and in turn help them provide effective health care to these patients who have specialized treatment needs.

Conclusion: It was seen that stage 3 patients had the highest percentage of bleeding gums while none had periodontal pockets nor calculus deposition. Stage 4 patients had an equal percentage of calculus deposition and periodontal pocket depth of 4-5 mm. Stage 5 patients had a high percentage of Periodontal pocket depths of 4-5mm followed by calculus and then bleeding gums. A higher percentage of stage 3 and 5 patients undergoing dialysis had a high DMFT whereas the percentage of stage 4 patients with high and low DMFT scores was equal.

Keywords: Dialysis, Chronic kidney disease, periodontal health, Community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN)