Journal of

Introduction: Although patients with end-stage renal disease confront  numerous oral manifestations such as oral uremic odor, enamel hypoplasia, increased dental calculus and periodontal diseases, which may be hazardous for their systemic health, dialysis can change occurrence of such complications. Therefore, this study aimed to compare dialysis patients with the healthy individuals in regard with dental health index.

Methods: In this case-control study, 134 hemodialysis and healthy patients were evaluated. Both groups were matched according to their age, gender, and educational background. The study data were colleted utilizing DMFS index (Decayed, Missed and Filled Surfaces of teeth) as well as demographic data forms. The data were analysed via Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman tests.

Results: Mean DMFS was reported 90.28±42.95 and 96.12±42.35 within dialysis patients and the control group, respectively. Even though DMFS within dialysis patients was lower compared to that of the control group, this difference was not statistically significant(P=0.79). In dialysis patients, the individuals with higher education level were demonstrated to have lower DMFS index, wheres those with a higher age revealed an increased DMFS. Moreover, no significant correlation was detected between length of dialysis period as well as number of dialysis times per month with the dental health indexes.

Conclusion: The present study findings revealed no significant diference between dialysis and healthy groups in regard with the dental health. However, a significant correlation was reported between low education level and old age with the low dental health indexes.