Hemodialysis and oral heath

Abstract

Aims of study: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the oral health, the educational level and decay frequency in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients, 43 of them were controlled patients admitted to the general dental unit in Al-Salam Hospital, while the remaining 57 patients underwent hemodialysis in the Dialysis Unit in Ibn-Sina Hospital in Mosul. Special consent form for each patient was obtained along with a noninvasive oral examination. Results: By using SPSS, significant pvalue was detected between education level & disease, the visit to dentist & disease. ANOVA test was done for study groups & gingival index, plaque index showed significant relation. For decayed teeth, significant pvalue was observed. Conclusion: Present study results confirm the hypothesis that periodontal disease prevalence exists in hemodialysis patients, so regular dental visits are needed to ensure optimal oral health in dialysis patients. Education of hemodialysis patients for their oral health and bilateral motivation between medical staff and dentists is mandatory