Evaluating the Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Status of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the periodontium, which is induced by various pathogenic microorganisms. The severity and frequency of periodontal disease among patients undergoing hemodialysis are higher compared to healthy individuals. This study aimed to evaluate whether oral prophylaxis and proper oral hygiene maintenance help improve the periodontal condition of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methodology In this study, 30 participants satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. We assessed the oral hygiene (Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S)) and the periodontal status (probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL)) of the included participants. Non-surgical periodontal management comprising oral prophylaxis and oral hygiene maintenance instructions were provided one week before initiating hemodialysis. The patients were then re-examined after one and three months. At each visit, oral hygiene status and clinical periodontal examinations were performed, along with reinforcing oral hygiene instructions to all participants. Results The mean age of the study participants was 44.10 ± 5.02 years. Repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the mean OHI-S, CAL, and PPD at different periods (baseline, after one month, and after three months), followed by multiple comparison using Bonferroni test. There was a statistically significant improvement in oral hygiene status and periodontal parameters (PPD and CAL) after one month and three months (p < 0.001) while the patient continued with hemodialysis. Conclusions This study showed the potential benefits of oral prophylaxis, oral hygiene maintenance, and periodontal care in patients undergoing hemodialysis.