Oral health challenges in patients with chronic kidney disease: A comprehensive clinical assessment

Loss of kidney function causes oral manifestations and multiple complications that have implications for dental treatment and patients' systemic conditions. We aimed to determine the clinical condition, epidemiological profile, and incidence of dental caries in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was an observational, cross-sectional, field study using a quantitative and epidemiological approach. The sample consisted of 45 randomly selected patients with CKD from a total of 114 patients. Data were collected through oral clinical examination, anamnesis, and medical records compiled in a clinical file specially developed for this research. Clinical evaluation was performed, including a Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index examination. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman's rho coefficient. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 20.0, with a confidence interval of 95 % and significance level of 5 % (p < 0.05). The results indicated that CKD is more prevalent in the 5th decade of life, with a slight predilection for men. Oral cavity alterations were observed in 77.8 % of patients. The study population had a very high DMFT index, with a high number of missing teeth and a low number of decayed and filled teeth. Poor oral health in patients with CKD indicates a lack of care that supports the necessity of installing a preventive and therapeutic oral program and a regular follow-up aimed at this group of patients.