Oral and salivary flow characteristics of a group of Brazilian children and adolescents with chronic renal failure.

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.