Oral infections are more likely to occur in people with chronic kidney disease and are more likely to become a significant problem. Proper dental care also benefits people on dialysis or those seeking a kidney transplant.
When managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms, people may not immediately think of the effects on their teeth. However, good dental health is an essential part of managing CKD.
People with CKD are more likely to experience oral and dental health problems, which can, in turn, worsen CKD.
Keep reading to learn more about this two-way relationship and what you can do to maintain strong dental health while living with CKD.
While dental care may not be top of mind for some people with CKD, experts agree it’s a crucial part of managing the disease. Key reasons include the following:
- CKD increases the risk of dental and oral problems.
- Weakened kidney function means minor infections for most people can become major infections for those with CKD.
- Oral infections can spread throughout the body, contributing to weakening kidney function.
- People on dialysis need healthy teeth to chew on high protein foods necessary for their diet, like meat and poultry.
- People seeking a kidney transplant require a dental exam before a doctor can approve them.
Your kidneys filter waste and toxins from your body. But with CKD, your kidneys don’t work as effectively as they should. This can cause a buildup of waste products, leading to health problems throughout the body.
About 4 in 5 people with CKD experience some kind of oral or dental health problem. Common challenges include:
- infections
- cavities
- halitosis (bad breath)
- changes in saliva pH
- dry mouth
- altered taste
- discoloration inside the mouth
- gum disease
- enamel hypoplasia
- weakened teeth
- delayed tooth eruption in children
Oral and dental health challenges are more common or more severe in people whose CKD has progressed to end stage renal disease (ESRD).
Despite the significant effects that CKD has on oral and dental health, many people with CKD don’t engage in sufficient dental care. This may be due to several factors, including:
- lack of awareness
- barriers to access, such as cost
- prioritization of CKD or ESRD treatments, like dialysis
However, oral and dental care is essential to preventing worsening CKD or complications. Infections in the mouth
Kidney transplants and dental examinations
People with ESRD who require a kidney transplant must have a dental examination as part of their evaluation before a doctor approves them for a transplant.
The medications you take after a transplant make you highly prone to infection. The exam ensures you don’t have any infections or other problems that need correcting before the transplant.
You’ll also need to attend follow-up dental appointments after your kidney transplant.
You can take steps to ensure good dental and oral health to avoid complications with CKD:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily.
- Floss at least once each day.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride to help strengthen enamel.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. However, some people with advanced CKD or ESRD may need to restrict their fluid intake.
- Schedule a regular dental checkup and cleaning once every 6 months.
If you wear dentures, you still need to clean them regularly to prevent gum disease or other infections.
Before any dental appointment, be sure to let the dentist or periodontist know that you have CKD, are on dialysis, or have had a kidney transplant. They may need to make special considerations to ensure you receive proper and safe care.
Affording dental care as part of CKD treatment
Standard medical insurance plans, including Medicare, often don’t cover dental or oral hygiene. This can be a significant barrier for some people, especially when managing the costs of other CKD treatments.
You may be able to find free or reduced cost dental services through organizations like the Dental Lifeline Network or local community health centers.
Check out these Healthline resources for more information:
- Where to Find Free or Reduced Cost Adult Dental Care
- Where to Find Free or Reduced Cost Dental Care for Your Child
- A Guide to Managing the Cost of Kidney Disease Treatment
Dental care and oral hygiene are essential elements to managing CKD. Reduced kidney function increases not only your risk of oral infections but also the risk of minor infections becoming much more serious. Oral infections can also spread throughout the body, causing CKD to worsen.
People with CKD can take steps at home to manage their oral and dental hygiene, like flossing regularly and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Experts also recommend dental checkups twice a year.
Be sure to let your dentist know that you have CKD in case they need to make special considerations for your treatment.
