Abstract
Background: In hemodialysis patients, there are some oral hard and soft tissue changes.
Objectives: The aim of this single-center, cross-sectional study was to evaluate oral findings
in hemodialysis patients.
Patients and Methods: A total of 144 patients participated. Of them, 28 patients (19%) had
diabetes mellitus (DM), 17 patients (12%) had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 15
patients (10%) had severe hypertension. The oral cavity was inspected by an oral medicine
specialist using proper light, mirror and explorer. The lips, cheek, tongue, palatal mucosa,
floor of the mouth, gingiva, pharyngeal fauces, dentures, teeth and occlusion were checked.
The significance level was P<0.05.
Results: Around 78% of the studied population had oral manifestations. The most diagnosed
finding in hemodialysis patients was dryness of the mouth followed by tooth loss due to
mobility and poor oral hygiene. Diabetic cases showed numerous oral symptoms than
nondiabetic subjects.
Conclusions: Oral lesions in hemodialysis patients is a prominent finding and untreated
lesions may cause severe side effects.