Examining the Potential Correlation Between Periodontal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to any abnormalities in kidney structure or function that remain longer than 3 months and negatively impact health. Characterized by a loss of nephrons and a decline in the glomerular filtration rate, CKD can stem from various diseases, such as glomerular, vascular, and others, with treatment options including dialysis or kidney transplantation. Many patients with CKD go undetected because they exhibit no symptoms. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory reaction that results in destruction in the periodontium's connective tissues and alveolar bone, potentially leading to such clinical signs and symptoms as edema, erythema, bleeding on probing, suppuration, tooth mobility and migration, alveolar bone loss, and tooth loss. Recent studies point to a connection between periodontal disease and systemic conditions, including CKD. Periodontal disease severity and presence may correlate with the occurrence of CKD. While various bacteria can cause periodontal disease, specific ones, such as Gram-negative bacilli, are linked to the beginning and progression of CKD, especially in people with compromised immune systems. It is beneficial, therefore, for clinicians to understand the association between CKD and periodontal disease.