Dental diseases in a Jordanian population on renal dialysis

The aim of this study was to examine the levels of periodontal disease and dental caries in individuals on renal dialysis in a Jordanian population.

A total of 47 individuals (mean age = 42.9 years, standard deviation [SD] 12.5) were examined for plaque deposits, gingivitis, periodontitis, and dental caries using the Silness and Löe plaque index (PII), Löe and Silness gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT), respectively. Gingival recession also was recorded using the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the gingival margin. Patients were categorized into three subgroups based on their renal dialysis histories: on dialysis for less than 1 year; on dialysis for 1 to 3 years; or on dialysis longer than 3 years.

There were no statistically significant differences in PII, GI, PPD, and gingival recession among the three subgroups examined. The GI revealed that 55% scored more than 2, indicating moderate to severe gingivitis. None of the individuals in this study displayed an absence of gingival inflammation. DMFT index showed that there were statistically significant differences between subjects on renal dialysis for less than 1 year and subjects on dialysis for 1 to 3 years and more than 3 years. The group DMFT index mean was 8.5 (SD 2.88).

Gingival and dental diseases are prevalent in the renal dialysis population. The dental community's awareness of the implication of poor oral health within this population should be elevated and daily oral health maintenance should be reinforced by the dialysis team.