The oral health status of individuals on renal dialysis

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the oral health status of individual's undergoing renal dialysis in southeastern Virginia. A sample was identified for this cross-sectional study via a local health maintenance organization. Three subgroups of the population were studied: 1) those who have been on renal dialysis for less than a year; 2) those on renal dialysis for 1 to 3 years; and 3) those on renal dialysis for longer than 3 years. Three dental indices the Periodontal Disease Index; the Decayed, Missing. Filled index; and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index--were used to identify periodontal disease, dental caries activity, and oral hygiene status. Data were compiled and analyzed by using the parametric test, 1-way analysis of variance. Results suggested that 100% (n = 45) of the individuals undergoing renal dialysis presented with some form of periodontal disease (X = 3.15, SD = 1.41). The majority (64%) of the sample displayed either severe gingivitis (28%) or early periodontitis (36%). Sixty-four percent of the sample displayed a high DMF index (X = 11.77, SD = 7.55), while 98% of the sample accumulated calculus. Oral debris was present in 100% of the sample, resulting in a high Simplified Oral Hygiene Index score (X = 3.24, SD = 1.26), suggesting an increased need for oral care instruction. Findings led to the conclusion that the renal dialysis population in southeastern Virginia, regardless of length of time on dialysis, is in need of comprehensive professional oral care and self-care instruction. Oral disease was present and is a source of active infection in these medically compromised individuals and, as such, has dire implication for morbidity and mortality.