ABSTRACT
Host factors such as systemic diseases, genetic polymorphism or drug usage play a major role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease by modifying the host response to periodontal infection or altering the susceptibility to infection by periodontal organisms. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical response of patients receiving hemodialysis to existing microbial dental plaque. Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) scores and probing depths (PD) were recorded for the entire dentition on 36 chronic renal failure patients receiving hemodialysis (H) and 36 systemically healthy individuals (C), matched with the patient group, based on age and extent of plaque accumulation. No statistically significant difference was observed in the clinical parameters between the two groups (PI: t=1.69 p= 0.096; GI: t=1.057 p=0.294; PD: t=0.01 p=0.99). In the present study, H patients revealed a similar response to existing bacterial plaque and their periodontal status was comparable to that of the control group. Although patients receiving hemodialysis have been suggested to present a certain degree of immunosuppression, based on the findings of the present study chronic renal failure does not seem to be an additional risk factor for more severe periodontal destruction.