Oral health in patients with end-stage renal disease: A scoping review

Objectives: In patients with end stage, renal disease a high rate of morbidity and mortality is present. Studies suggest that end stage renal disease may affect oral health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a scoping review on periodontal disease, dental caries, xerostomia, and hyposalivation in end stage renal disease patients.

Materials and methods: A literature search (in PubMed and Embase.com) was performed up to September 29, 2020, in collaboration with a medical information specialist. Included outcome variables were the community periodontal index, probing pocket depth, gingival index, bleeding on probing, decayed-missing-filled-teeth, carious-absent-obturated index, Xerostomia Inventory and the (un)stimulated whole salivary flow rate.

Results: Forty three out of 1293 studies were included in the final review comprising 7757 end stage renal disease patients. The average age was 58.3 ± 29.4 years. 28.2%-78.8% of patients reported xerostomia and the (un)stimulated salivary flow rates were significantly lower. Higher community periodontal index scores were measured in end stage renal disease patients. More decayed-missing-filled-teeth were recorded, but no differences were found between groups.

Conclusions: Xerostomia and hyposalivation were highly prevalent in end stage renal disease patients. Patients have more deepened pockets, but an equal number of carious teeth compared to healthy controls.