Oral hygiene in CKD patients undergoing regular dialysis treatment

Abstract

Oral hygiene proves to be an etiological factor for the development of most diseases associated with the oral cavity in humans. Typical oral manifestations are observed in patients suffering from certain common diseases, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes, which are related not only to the underlying condition but also to the oral hygiene level. The authors` objective was to establish the general level of oral hygiene in CKD patients undergoing renal treatment. The units of observation were 70 patients suffering from kidney disease. All patients` oral hygiene was measured using Greene and Vermillion`s index for tartar and plaque. The statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS Statistics software package for epidemiological and clinical research (V.17.00). The results obtained showed that there was not a statistically significant correlation between patients` age and their oral hygiene index (ρ = 0075, p = 0.577). Gender did not affect the level of oral hygiene. When comparing the oral hygiene indices in female and male patients no statistically significant correlation was observed. The oral hygiene index in CKD patients was not influenced by the duration of the hemodialysis treatment (< 5 years, >5 years). The data collected allowed the authors to conclude that oral hygiene habits are peculiar for each individual. They are formed in early childhood, regardless of a person`s age or gender, and are crucial for the potential development of oral diseases. Patients are therefore advised to have regular dental examinations and are encouraged to maintain proper oral hygiene.