Oral findings in hemodialysis patients; A cross-sectional study in Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background: In hemodialysis patients, there are some oral hard and soft tissue changes. Objectives: The aim of this single-center, cross-sectional study was to evaluate oral findings in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: A total of 144 patients participated. Of them, 28 patients (19%) had diabetes mellitus (DM), 17 patients (12%) had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 15 patients (10%) had severe hypertension. The oral cavity was inspected by an oral medicine specialist using proper light, mirror and explorer. The lips, cheek, tongue, palatal mucosa, floor of the mouth, gingiva, pharyngeal fauces, dentures, teeth and occlusion were checked. The significance level was P < 0.05. Results: Around 78% of the studied population had oral manifestations. The most diagnosed finding in hemodialysis patients was dryness of the mouth followed by tooth loss due to mobility and poor oral hygiene. Diabetic cases showed numerous oral symptoms than nondiabetic subjects. Conclusions: Oral lesions in hemodialysis patients is a prominent finding and untreated lesions may cause severe side effects.