Renal Disease and the Mouth

• Published in: The American journal of medicine Vol. 120; no. 7; pp. 568 - 573
• Main Authors: Summers, Shaun A., MB, BCh, Tilakaratne, W.M., MB, BCh, PhD, Fortune, Farida, FDS, RCS, PhD, Ashman, Neil, MB, BCh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.07.2007; Elsevier; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Dental caries; General aspects; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents - adverse effects; Inflammation; Internal Medicine; Kidney diseases; Kidney Diseases - complications; Kidney Diseases - therapy; Kidney Transplantation; Medical diagnosis; Medical sciences; Medical treatment; Mouth; Mouth Diseases - chemically induced; Mouth Diseases - etiology; Multi-system; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Nephropathies. Renovascular diseases. Renal failure; Oral disease; Peridontitis; Physical examinations; Renal failure; Renal Replacement Therapy; Xerostomia; Multi-system; Inflammation; Oral disease; Peridontitis; Xerostomia; Medicine; Kidney disease; Oral cavity; Urinary system disease; Nephropathy; Renal failure
• ISSN: 0002-9343; 1555-7162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.12.007

Abstract Oral manifestations of renal disease are common. They may present as unique signs of multi-system disease affecting the kidneys (such as vasculitis), or as common oral pathologies found at an increased prevalence in patients with end-stage renal disease. Despite more oral and dental disease in patients on renal replacement therapy, attendance at dental clinics is infrequent, and physician awareness of the problem is low. In our short review, aimed at renal, transplant, and general physicians, we discuss the link between clinical changes in the mouth and multi-systemic disease involving the kidney. We suggest a standardized approach to oral examination to increase diagnostic yield and discuss common oral complications in patients on dialysis or successfully transplanted. Finally, we suggest potential treatments for oral disease that nephrologists might safely institute.