Dental management of chronic haemodialysis patients

In 44 patients (22 females, 22 males, aged 18-61 years, mean 36 years) regular dental screening and treatment were started in January 1982. Two years follow-up revealed that the oral hygiene of these haemodialysis patients was worse than that of the average population. In 42 cases calculus formation and gingivitis, in each case atrophy of the alveolar bone and pocket formation were found. We consider these symptoms as cardinal in uraemic haemodialysis patients. As a consequence, the teeth had a pathologic mobility which was proportional to the bone resorption. Although not very typical, 10 cases were found with clicking of the temporomandibular joint associated with painfulness of the joint and the surroundings. Owing to the increased tendency to caries and the parodontal disease, the majority of patients lost most of their teeth untimely. Therefore special measures should be taken to achieve restoration. We emphasize the need for special dental care of haemodialysis patients.