Oral Health Assessment of Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

Patients on peritoneal and hemodialysis represent a risk group for developing changes of the oral cavity, which ultimately lead to the loss of teeth and affect the overall health of patients. The basis of this research is a WHO (World Health Organization) survey on adults’ oral hygiene to determine its state and the habit of its maintenance in this group of patients. The sample consisted of 59 subjects on dialysis at Sestre milosrdnice UHC (48% female) aged 25-85 (median 66 years), 14% of which was on peritoneal dialysis. Most patients reported adequate oral hygiene. Nonetheless, half of the patients complained to have functional problems in the oral cavity. Their last visit to the dentist is also taken into account as most of the respondents (27.1%) reported it within the last six months, while 23.7% of respondents reported it between 2 and 5 years. Insight into the state of the oral cavity is the first step towards improving both the oral and the overall health of patients on dialysis, which is why we find the education of this group of patients about the importance of maintaining oral hygiene necessary.

Keywords

• Oral health
• Dialysis
• Surveys and questionnaires