The oral health status and salivary parameters of Egyptian children on haemodialysis

This study was conducted on 28 end-stage renal disease children undergoing haemodialysis, aged 6–15 years (mean age, 11 years, 3 months) in the Pediatric Nephrology Unit of Zagazig University Hospital. The aims of the study were to monitor their oral health status, to analyse the salivary total antioxidants and protein levels and to clarify their relationship with the oral health status. The data were compared with that of a gender and age matched control group. Significantly higher prevalence of oral health parameters except debris accumulation, and lower caries prevalence, was revealed. Significant lower levels of salivary total antioxidants and proteins and a correlation between both salivary parameters and “deft” index were also reported. The results of the study suggest a need for dental advice and supervision, and indicate that dental and medical care should be closely integrated for children with renal failure