As we’ve learned time in and time out, the oral cavity
is integrally and systematically linked to the health of various other
bodily systems – here we are focusing on kidneys. The kidneys serve for
the production of urine
as their primary function, excreting unnecessary bodily fluids and
compounds. Kidneys also have several secondary functions concerned with
homeostatic functions. These include the regulation of electrolytes, acid-base balance, and blood pressure.
If you have kidney problems, apart from the well-advertised urinary and
homeostatic problems, your oral health could deteriorate as well!
People with
long-lasting (or even recently discovered) kidney problems often times
have a bad taste in their mouths. Also related, they often have bad
breath (halitosis). These problems – both of which are indicators of a
serious problem in your system – occur because the kidneys fail to
remove the organic compound urea
from the blood. Urea breaks down to form ammonia, which has a pungent
odor that is quickly noticeable; bone changes may also occur because
the body cannot absorb calcium properly. Imbalanced calcium levels will
weaken your bones, loosing bone from your jaw. Teeth may become loose
or eventually fall out because of the calcium deficiency often
resulting from kidney disease. The best way to help prevent bone loss
is to make sure calcium and phosphorus levels stay within the goal
range.
Anorexia, anemia, xerostomia,
high blood pressure and heart disease, inflammation of the mouth,
salivary glands and gum disease can all be symptoms and complications
when dealing with kidney disease, apart from the influence of
medication. When you have these symptoms, not only should a dental
professional be contacted to provide dental examinations and treatment,
but also a physical examination is needed. If you have kidney disease
or are on dialysis, you should plan to
receive any dental treatments on non-dialysis days for those on
hemodialysis. Heperin, administered during hemodialysis, may cause some
people to have prolonged bleeding. Kidney disease can also weaken the
immune system and make us more susceptible to infection, so
prophylactic antibiotics maybe needed before invasive dental treatment.
During the work up
for a kidney transplant, a person will need to have a thorough oral
examination. Any infection or disease of the gum or tooth can prevent
someone from being eligible, or delay the transplant until the patient
is free of gum and dental infection .
Keep up your home
care program, brush and floss after every meal and follow a properly
designed diet by your dietitian. Special dietary needs must be met if
you have a compromised kidney condition. Regular visits to the dentist
can also reduce the risk of oral infection and dental disease.
