Assessment of Oral Health Status in Children Suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome

Introduction: Nephrotic Syndrome is one of the chronic illnesses in the paediatric age group. Advances in paediatric nephrology in recent years have resulted in a marked increase in the number of children surviving with chronic renal failure. The aim of this study is to assess the oral hygiene status of children suffering from Nephrotic syndrome. Materials and Methods: 100 children within the age group of 4 years to 17 years, suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome were examined and the oral health status of each patient was evaluated based on a questionnaire, DMFT index, dmft index, gingival index and oral hygiene index. Results: 68% male predominance was seen; 11% children in the age range of 12-17 years and 17% children in the age range of 4-11 years had dental caries. 66% children had mild infl ammation of the gingiva; 58% children had poor oral hygiene index; 26% children had mucosal lesions (Aphthous ulcers). Conclusion: Higher plaque accumulation and gingival infl ammation was observed in these children along with reduced caries prevalence, and mucosal lesions (Aphthous ulcers). The fi ndings of the present study indicate that there is a need for dental health education for children with Nephrotic Syndrome. Dental and medical care should be closely integrated to avoid conditions such as gingival problems, inspite of low caries incidence in children with Nephrotic Syndrome.