Evaluation of oral hygiene and gingival parameters in pediatric nephrotic syndrome within an interdisciplinary care...

This study aimed to evaluate oral hygiene, gingival condition, and the presence of selected periodontal pathogens in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) compared to healthy controls. The primary research question was whether interdisciplinary care contributes to better oral health in this medically compromised group.A cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 children aged 5-17 years, including 40 patients with NS and 46 healthy controls. Clinical evaluation included the Plaque Index (Pl.I.), Approximal Plaque Index (API), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BoP), and presence of dental calculus. Periodontal pathogens were identified using the PET Plus microbiological test.Children with NS had better interdental hygiene and a higher proportion of individuals with good oral hygiene. Gingival inflammation indicators (GI, BoP) did not differ significantly between groups. Notably, the prevalence and bacterial load of Treponema denticola and Fusobacterium nucleatum were lower in the NS group. Dental calculus was also less frequently observed in these patients.Despite being a medically vulnerable population, children with nephrotic syndrome under interdisciplinary care demonstrated favorable oral hygiene and reduced colonization by key periodontal pathogens. These findings suggest that systematic dental follow-up integrated with nephrology care may have a protective effect on oral health and help prevent inflammation-associated complications.Implementing regular dental screening within pediatric nephrology care can enhance early intervention, reduce oral disease burden, and support systemic health in children with nephrotic syndrome.