European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EVALUATING DENTAL HEALTH OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS BY ASSESSING THE DECAY, MISSING, FILLED TEETH INDEX AND RUSSELL’S PERIODONTAL INDEX

Deepika Sugumaran*

ABSTRACT

Kidneys are the major functional units of the Human Body. Dysregulated kidney function can influence the morbidity and mortality of the patient. Chronic Renal failure is one such condition which causes debilitation of the life of the patient due to immunosuppression and psychological depression in these patients. Da Silva et al(1995)[1] proposed that emotional and psychological load may influence the immune system , increasing the host susceptibility and therefore the risk of developing disease. CRF is an irreversible deterioration in renal function which classically develops over a period of years due to reduction in functional nephrons.[2] Hemodialysis is the immediate treatment option for patients with chronic renal failure.Undergoing hemodialysis twice or thrice per week affects the routine lifestyle of the patient thereby lack of interest in oral hygiene maintenance. Immunosuppression could cause change in the oral flora, destruction of periodontal structures, oral ulceration and much more. These oral manifestations can in turn produce bacteremia which could prove detrimental for the health of the CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis. This article showcases a study done to evaluate the relationship between the oral health and hemodialysis.

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