[Dental status in 42 chronically hemodialyzed patients]

Hemodialyzed patients often present with a deficient dental state. The objective of this study was to assess the oral state and dental hygiene of chronically hemodialyzed patients.

Forty-two chronically hemodialyzed patients were followed at the dental consultation and treatment centre. Clinical and radiographic data was assessed (panoramic and retro alveolar x-ray).

The patients' mean age was 41.7 years. The sex ratio was 16/26. 11.9% of patients were toothless. Dental hygiene was bad in 45.9% of the cases. 78.5% of patients brushed their teeth 35.1% of whom once a day. Periodontitis was noted in 73% of the cases and gingival bleeding in 48.6%. 89.2% of patients presented with caries and 78.4% were missing teeth. Nineteen percent of the patients used a prosthesis. Chewing was adequate for 47.6% of patients. The paleness of mucosal membranes and xerostomia was noted respectively in 40.5% and 21.4% of patients. The radiological exam findings were pathological for ten patients (23,6%). The mean plaque index was 1.9±0.84 and gingival index 1.8±0.87. 71.4% of patients consulted an odontologist in the year before the study.

The dental status of chronically hemodialyzed patients is bad. They must be managed as early as possible.