| [ Summary ] |
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by bacterial plaque. The progression of periodontal disease is affected by various systemic conditions. Clinical characteristics of the disease include redness and swelling of the gingiva, calculus deposition, bad breath, gingival recession, and tooth mobility. Progression of the disease results in tooth loss. In our previous investigation, dialysis patients exhibited a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. This was especially so in patients with diabetic nephropathy, who's periodontal tissue breakdown was severe. However, the duration of dialysis or blood levels of parathyroid hormone did not demonstrate any association with the indices of periodontal disease, suggesting that diabetic factors may be more predominant than dialysis related factors in the progression of periodontal disease. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that periodontal disease may aggravate systemic conditions, being a factor in chronic inflammatory conditions. Proper treatment of periodontal disease in dialysis patients is important to maintain oral, as well as general health. |