We have described the oral status and salivary flow rate of 30 children and adolescents suffering from
chronic renal failure (CRF) undergoing
hemodialysis and compared the associated parameters with those of 30 clinically healthy subjects with no history of
chronic disease. The subjects of the renal group (RG) and healthy group (HG) were paired by gender and age (7-19 years old). Anamneses and an interview consisting of questions on
oral hygiene habits comprised the first step in the study, followed by whole and parotid saliva collection and intra-
oral examination. No statistical significant difference was found between the RG and HG subjects in terms of the presence of gingival
inflammation, dental history of caries, and
enamel hypoplasia. However, statistical significant differences were found between the groups related to a sensation of dry mouth, salivary flow rate, delayed tooth eruption, dental staining by
iron supplementation, presence of plaque, and
dental calculus. Based on our results, we conclude that CRF children and adolescents undergoing
hemodialysis present some
oral manifestations related to their disease. These manifestations include a sensation of dry mouth, delayed tooth eruption, dental staining by
iron supplementation, and
dental calculus. A lower flow rate of whole and parotid saliva production just before
hemodialysis was also observed.