Oral health-related quality of life and periodontal and dental health status in Iranian hemodialysis patients.

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health status and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Iranian patients undergoing hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study 145 (95 dentate and 50 edentulous) patients undergoing hemodialysis participated. Demographic information, laboratory findings and dental health status was recorded by a standard form. Oral hygiene status was obtained by simplifed oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and oral health was evaluated by decay missing flling teeth (DMFT) index, plaque index (PLI) and periodontal disease index. Oral health related quality of life was determined by means of short form oral health impact profle (OHIP-14) and general oral health assessment index (GOHAI). RESULTS The mean (± SD) DMFT, PLI and PDI were 15.47 ± 7.85, 2.03 ± 0.95, 4.09 ± 1.31 respectively. OHI-S was good in 7 (7.4%), fair 25 (26.6%) and poor in 38 (26.6%) of patients. The mean OHIP-14 and GOHAI scores were 31.32 ± 12.53 and 29.07 ± 8.5 respectively. The self-perceived oral health of 58 (40%) was good, 49(33.8%) was fair and 38 (26.2%) was poor. Patients with higher scores for the questionnaires had significantly worst self-rated oral health. Besides, there was a significant positive correlation between dental and periodontal variables with OHIP-14 and GOHAI scores. CONCLUSION Hemodialysis patients had a poor oral hygiene and periodontal status, weak attitudes and negligence toward oral health but they were satisfed of their oral health condition and their OHRQoL was approximately good. Therefor it should be communications between nephrologists and oral health care professionals for promoting the oral health status of the patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The findings high light the need of comprehensive oral examinations including periodontal therapy, restorative treatment, preventive dental treatment and follow-up care in the hemodialysis patients.