Periodontal status of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the periodontal parameters in Chinese patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD). Methods: 87 Chinese patients and 40 controls were recruited into present study. Results: In total, 51% of HD patients, 57.8% of PD patients and 25% of controls brushed their teeth once daily, while 42.9% of HD patients, 31.6% of PD patients and 70% of controls brushed twice daily; < 10% of patients in three groups brushed their teeth thrice daily. The average Plaque Index was comparable among three groups. However, the average Calculus Surface Index was significantly higher in HD patients as compared to PD patients (2.21 and 2.55, P < 0.05) and controls (2.28 and 2.55, P < 0.05). The average gingival bleeding (GI) was significant higher in controls as compared to HD patients (2.85 and 1.85, P < 0.05) and PD patients (2.85 and 1.87, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the average GI between HD patients and PD patients. Probing pocket depth (PPD) at different sites was comparable between HD patients and PD patients. However, PPD at upper-left-posterior, upper-right- posterior and lower-right-posterior was significantly higher in controls as compared to HD patients (P < 0.05) and PD patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, the periodontal status of patients receiving PD or HD was poorer than healthy controls in China, but they have no bleeding and pocket symptoms. Dentists should emphasize the detailed dental examination and pay attention to the periodontal disease in CRF patients.