ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF CHILDREN WITH KIDNEY DISEASE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the oral health status of children with kidney disease and healthy children. A total of 158 children aged 4-15 years were included, comprising 79 children with kidney disease and 79 healthy controls. Oral examinations were conducted to assess dental caries using the dmft/DMFT index, oral hygiene status using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), and developmental defects of enamel (DDE). Information on oral hygiene behaviors, access to dental services, and socioeconomic characteristics was collected using structured questionnaires. The results showed no statistically significant differences between children with kidney disease and healthy controls in terms of dental caries prevalence, dmft/DMFT scores, or overall oral hygiene status (p > 0.05). Children with kidney disease demonstrated slightly higher debris index and OHI-S scores, although these differences were not statistically significant. DDE was observed exclusively in children with kidney disease.

Keywords: Kidney Disease, Oral Health, Children