Examination of factors affecting oral health in patients receiving haemodialysis

Abstract

Background Patients receiving haemodialysis suffer from oral problems, pain, deteriorated nutrition, and decreased self‐confidence and quality of life. Nurses have a critical role in the evaluation and care of oral health. Objectives The aim was to investigate the associations between socio‐demographic characteristics, medication use, and biochemical blood levels and oral health in adult patients receiving haemodialysis treatment. Design This study was conducted as a descriptive study. Participants The sample study was made up of one hundred and fifty individuals treated with haemodialysis between March and June 2018. Measurements Patient diagnosis and Bedside Oral Exam guide was the tool used to examine oral health. Results It was seen that patients' oral health worsened as the number of dental caries increased. It was found that low level of education, those with nonregular oral care and brushing teeth, those using parathyroid hormone‐lowering agents and who stated they complied with the drug and diet therapy had higher mean Bedside Oral Exam guide scores, meaning their oral health was statistically significantly worse (p < 0.05). Bedside Oral Exam guide scores were weakly negatively correlated with predialysis serum potassium levels (r = −0.213; p = 0.009), weakly positively correlated with the daily fluid amount consumed (r = −0.185; p = 0.024), and decayed teeth (r = −0.224; p = 0.006). Conclusions Use of parathyroid hormone‐lowering agents, low level of education, insufficient oral care, decayed teeth, compliance with diet and medication, daily liquid consumption, and low potassium levels could lead to an increased severity of poor oral health in patients receiving haemodialysis. Oral and dental health protocols should be developed for all haemodialysis units.