3 Ways Kidney Disease Can Cause Dental Problems
If you or your child has been diagnosed with kidney disease, your health care providers may have recommended that you follow a therapeutic diet, take diuretic medications, restrict your fluid intake, and receive renal dialysis treatments. Also, children affected with renal disease should also visit a pediatric dentist on a regular basis to monitor oral health.
Kidney problems can cause edema, fluid retention, problems with urination, poor appetite, nausea, confusion, and sleepiness. While these are the most common problems with renal dysfunction, kidney problems can also raise your risk for gum infections. Here are three ways kidney disease can affect your mouth and what you can do about them.
1. Oral Dryness
If you have renal problems, you may get dehydrated. In addition to skin dryness and itching, fatigue, sunken eyes, lightheadedness, and urination problems, being dehydrated can cause a very dry mouth. If your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to rinse away the bacteria in your mouth, infections of your gums and teeth may develop.
If you experience oral dryness because of a kidney disorder, tell your dentist so that your gums and dental status can be closely monitored. Also, talk to your family doctor about drinking more water. If your child has kidney problems, make sure his or her pediatrician knows that you are planning to increase fluid intake.
Although drinking plenty of water throughout the day is an important intervention for dry mouth, it may be risky for those with renal problems to consume large amounts of fluids. If your physician has recommended a fluid restricted diet, try chewing sugarless gum or using a lubricating mouthwash to help restore moisture inside your mouth.
2. Body-Wide Inflammation
Kidney disease can also spur the release of chemicals inside your body known as pro-inflammatory cytokines. The release of these substances can raise your risk for systemic inflammation, including inflammation inside your oral cavity.
This type of inflammatory response can cause a condition known as gingival hyperplasia or overgrown gums. This disorder can make brushing and flossing your teeth difficult because hyperplastic gums can grow over your teeth and in between your teeth. This can be challenging for children, especially for very young children.
If you develop inflammation or overgrown gums as a result of a kidney disorder, visit your dental professional on a regular basis for check-ups and cleanings. As your renal function improves, the condition of your gums may improve as well.
3. Drug Side Effects
Certain prescription drugs that are used to treat kidney disease may raise your risk for gum infections. These drugs include diuretics, also known as "water pills." Individuals who take diuretics typically experience frequent urination, which can cause dehydration and dry mouth.
Your prescription kidney medications may also cause digestive problems such as heartburn or acid reflux disease. In moderate to severe acid reflux, stomach acid may travel into your throat and mouth. Because of this, you may be at risk for gum disease and erosion of your dental enamel, as stomach acid is very caustic. Taking an over-the-counter antacid may help relieve your reflux symptoms but check with your doctor first because certain antacids may not be appropriate for those with kidney disorders.
If you are unable to tolerate the oral side effects of your kidney medications, talk to your doctor, who may recommend a different medication that is less likely to harm your teeth and gums. If you or your child have a kidney disorder, work with the dentist and physician to help ensure that your dental health remains optimal.
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