Oral health status in Iranian hemodialysis patients

Due to increased survival among hemodialysis (HD) patients, new problems including concerns of oral health have appeared. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oral health status and related risk factors in Iranian HD patients. Demographic information, medical history, laboratory findings, and dental health status were gathered. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria was obtained. Kt/V was calculated for patients. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Seventy-two patients were evaluated, with a mean age and HD time of 53.4±15.3 years and 36.9±33.8 months, respectively. Thirty-five (48.6%) complained of dry mouth, 33 (49.3%) of taste change, 22 (31%) of malodor mouth, and 30 (46.9%) had dental calculus. The overall mean DMFT score was 18.6±9.9. DMFT score had a negative significant correlation with Kt/V (r=–0.4, P=0.004). Women and singles as well as patients with a low educational level and/or lesser dialysis time had a significantly higher DMFT score (P<0.05). Kt/V was significantly lower in patients suffering from dry mouth and dental calculus (P<0.05). Interestingly DMFT score was significantly lower in patients with dental calculus compared to patients without it (P=0.001). It seems that our patients have a poor dental hygiene level and high DMFT score especially women, singles, patients with low Kt/V and a low education level. The oral health maintenance program for a patient receiving dialysis should be reinforced in our centers.