BUDC team evaluates renal dialysis impact on oral health

KARACHI: Patients dealing with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) face an elevated risk of developing dental issues due to metabolic imbalances and a lack of attention to maintaining proper oral hygiene. As CKD progresses to the point of necessitating renal dialysis, coupled with a general lack of awareness about the importance of oral hygiene, the oral health and overall quality of life can deteriorate significantly.

In response to these challenges, an interactive oral health awareness session and free dental checkup event were organised at the SSWAB TRUST – Kidney Care & Dialysis Centre.

A team from Bahria University Dental College (BUDC), consisting of Dr Maria Moin, Head of the Department of Community Dentistry (DCD), Prof Kulsoom Fatima Rizvi, Dr Mohsin Haider, a senior CDC lecturer and Dr Rafay Raza, Dr Noor Wajiha, and Dr Sara Shehzad as house officers, along with 2nd-year BDS students.

The team conducted dental checkups of a total of 20 renal dialysis patients, ranging in age from 40 to 60 years, during the visit. The dental checkups were conducted by the 2nd-year BDS students and house officers.

The healthcare professional team gathered medical and dental histories from the patients and provided oral hygiene instructions tailored to their specific conditions.

The proper techniques for tooth brushing were demonstrated using models, and basic oral hygiene instructions were delivered verbally. Throughout this process, the information was adapted to suit the needs and circumstances of the patients. The dental team adhered to professional attire and followed rigorous sterilization and cross-infection control protocols.

It was noted that most of the patients showed adherence to proper dental hygiene maintenance practices. Consequently, the overall oral hygiene condition of these patients was found to be quite satisfactory.

Both the hospital administration and the patients expressed their satisfaction with the oral health session, and their queries or concerns were addressed.

The BUDC team expressed resolve to conduct more oral health education and awareness sessions in the future.

This initiative proved to be a valuable learning experience for both the renal dialysis patients and the dental team, reinforcing the importance of oral health in the context of systemic diseases and renal dialysis.