Impact of Oral Health on Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case Series

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the most effective treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease. Still, it increases the risk of infections that can compromise general and oral health, affecting quality of life (QoL). This study assessed the impact of oral health on the QoL of KT patients undergoing dental treatment. This case series study was carried out at a clinical research center specializing in the care of individuals with systemic impairments, through the analysis of 88 medical records of patients undergoing KT who received dental treatment between 2015 and 2024. The final sample included 9 medical records. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was assessed for QoL. The data was organized in spreadsheets for narrative synthesis. All the patients had periodontal conditions, and almost half the sample had tongue coating and dry mouth sensation. In two of the three patients who answered the OHIP-14 before and after dental treatment, there was a significant improvement in the impact of oral health on QoL. The results suggest that dental treatment improves the self-perception of QoL in patients undergoing KT.