Dr. Carla Martins et al studied whether dental calculus formation is higher among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis than among controls. Also evaluated were the links between dental calculus formation and dental plaque, variables that are related to renal disease and/or saliva composition. The renal group included 30 patients undergoing hemodialysis; the control group included 30 clinically healthy patients. Stimulated whole saliva and parotid saliva were collected. Salivary flow rate and calcium and phosphate concentrations were determined. The saliva collection was carried out before and after a hemodialysis session for renal patients. Both patient groups received intraoral exams, oral hygiene instructions, and dental scaling. The dental calculus was measured 3 months later by the Volpe-Manhold method to determine the rate of formation. It was found that the renal group presented a higher rate of formation (P < .01). Correlation was observed between the rate of dental calculus formation and whole saliva flow rate in the renal group after a hemodialysis session (r = .44, P < .05). The presence of dental calculus was associated with phosphate concentration in whole saliva from the renal group (P < .05). In conclusion, patients undergoing hemodialysis presented accelerated dental calculus formation, probably due to salivary variables.
