The Immoderate Decrease in Saliva pH During Hemodialysis is Related to Poor Oral Hygiene in Diabetics

Effect of saliva pH decrease on oral hygiene during hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Saliva is a body fluid that significantly balances oral acidity. Notably, saliva pH can also restore oral hygiene that can be labile in hemodialysis patients. Our study thus investigated the saliva pH alterations in a dialysis session and how they affect oral hygiene.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with patients receiving hemodialysis. An internist took the unstimulated saliva samplings at the beginning and end of one hemodialysis session, and oral evaluations were accomplished by a dentist who was blind to patients’ saliva status. Laboratory results were also obtained from monthly orders.

Results: A total of 59 patients participated in this study. The mean saliva pH decrease in all patients was -1.35±0.7. In comparing saliva pH with numerous patient characteristics, the statistical significance of obesity, loss of teeth related to oral hygiene, diabetes, and blood flow rate were notable. The decrease in saliva pH was linked to periodontal inflammation and oral hygiene, impressively higher in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions: The salivary pH tends to decrease during the hemodialysis session. Hence, oral hygiene and related dental health can also be dependent on hemodialysis qualities. An excessive decrease in saliva pH during dialysis sessions may lead to poor oral hygiene, particularly in patients with Type II diabetes.