A comparison of oral and dental manifestations in diabetic and non-diabetic uremic patients receiving hemodialysis

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the oral and dental findings of uremic patients receiving hemodialysis and to compare the Results between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis were classified into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and examined for uremic oral manifestations, dental caries (DMFT), and periodontal status (CPITN). Mann-Whitney test of significance has been applied for analyzing DMFT score and chi-square test is used for analyzing CPITN score. RESULTS: Of the study group, 46% were diabetic and only 11% of them did not have any oral manifestation. Oral manifestations observed were xerostomia and uremic odor, which contributed to 47 (23%) and 37 (17%), respectively. Hyperpigmentation was present in 26 (12%), macroglossia in 23 (11%), and uremic tongue coating in 24 (11%). Mucosal petechiae were seen in 17 patients contributing to 8% of total patients. Eleven patients had tongue pallor (5%), 9 patients had glossitis with depapillation (4%), and 7 patients had dysgeusia (3%). Angular cheilitis and gingival swelling were seen in 5 patients (2%). CONCLUSION: The oral and dental manifestations were higher in prevalence in the study group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups.