Living with chronic kidney disease can affect more than just your internal organs. New data shows a strong link between kidney health and the health of your mouth. Patients with both early and advanced stages of kidney disease showed significant signs of dental issues when compared to healthy people.
Specifically, patients with these conditions had much higher levels of plaque and calculus buildup on their teeth. They also experienced more gum inflammation and bleeding during dental exams. These changes happen regardless of whether the kidney disease is in its early or advanced stages.
The study also found that saliva changes in those with kidney issues. Their saliva had a higher pH level and lower flow rates than healthy people. While these results show a strong connection between the two conditions, researchers note that this data shows an association rather than proving one causes the other.
What this means for you:
People with chronic kidney disease often experience more plaque, gum inflammation, and changes in saliva levels.
Common questions
How does kidney disease affect the mouth?
People with chronic kidney disease often have more plaque and calculus on their teeth compared to healthy people. They also experience higher levels of gum inflammation, higher bleeding during probing, and changes in their saliva, such as higher pH levels and lower flow rates.
Does this affect people with early-stage kidney disease?
Yes. The data shows that these oral health issues, including plaque buildup and gum inflammation, are present in patients with both early-stage and advanced-stage chronic kidney disease (stages 1 through 4).
What specific changes occur in saliva?
Patients with chronic kidney disease showed significantly higher salivary pH levels and reduced salivary flow rates compared to healthy individuals. These findings suggest that kidney health is closely linked to the environment of the mouth.
