Prevalence of dental caries, calculus index, stimulated salivary flow rate and levels of cariogenic microorganisms in saliva of patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis were compared to those of normal subjects matched as to age and sex. No significant difference was detected regarding to DMF indexes, whole saliva flow or mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels. However, when compared to the controls, patients showed a great need for dental treatment and dental plaque control instruction. They had higher indexes of decayed and missing surfaces and teeth; their filled surfaces and teeth indexes were lower and their calculus index was higher, demonstrating the necessity of a preventive and curative program to these special patients.
Renal failure; Dialysis; Saliva; Mutans streptococci; Lactobacillus; Dental caries; Dental calculus