Evaluation of the oral health status in Chinese hemodialysis patients.

Chronic kidney disease has become a worldwide public health problem, and it negatively affects oral health. However, the data of the hemodialysis (HD) patients in Chinese population is unknown. This study was aimed to evaluate the dental health status and oral hygiene behavior of the HD patients in China. Patients undergoing HD therapy at two hospitals were asked to finish a questionnaire and receive dental examination (DMF-T). A total of 306 patients, aged 24-88 (58.09 +/- 14.06), took part in this study. Although majority of the patients (77.78%) brushed their teeth at least twice a day, few (less than 5%) had ever used dental floss or mouthwash. More than half of the patients have not visited a dentist since the commencement of HD therapy. The dental examination showed that DMF-T was 9.63 +/- 7.54, and the number of filled teeth (F-T) was only 0.70 +/- 1.48. Moreover, the average caries restoration ratio and replacement index were 17.57% and 32.59%, respectively. HD therapy seems to prevent patients from visiting a dentist, and there is a great need for dental treatment for Chinese HD patients.