PKD Life - Summer 2021 - 9

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Age s & Stage s
PKD DAY TO DAY
Age s & Stage s
The Mouth/Kidney
Connection
Here's why
people with
chronic kidney
disease need to
prioritize excellent
oral care.
By Andrea Atkins
M any people with chronic
See your dentist
kidney disease also have
gum (or periodontal) disease.
The good news is that increased
attention to dental hygiene can
keep your teeth, gums, and all of
you healthier.
If your teeth are not properly
cleaned, bacteria in your mouth
may enter your body's systems,
which can cause infl ammation
and problems for your kidneys,
says Sandra Molinas, D.D.S.,
M.A., a periodontist at Mount
Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Kidney disease weakens the
immune system, making you
more susceptible to infections.
So vigilant dental care is
especially important. People
with PKD should be referred
to a periodontist so they can
be checked for periodontitis, a
condition that includes bleeding
gums, wobbly teeth, and possible
tooth loss, Dr. Molinas says.
But in the meantime, follow
these guidelines to maintain a
healthy mouth.
every four months.
" We want to prevent disease
before it happens, "
Dr. Molinas says.
Floss, but avoid
Waterpiks. Dental fl oss
is essential for a healthy
mouth. But beware of
devices that shoot water
between your teeth. " They
can actually drive food
deeper into the gums if
you do have periodontal
disease, " Dr. Molinas says.
Brush for at least two
minutes twice a day.
Play your favorite song
while brushing to ensure
you thoroughly clean
your teeth. Dr. Molinas
recommends using an
electric toothbrush.
Avoid sugary and
sticky foods. " These
foods cause plaque, and
plaque can build up, "
leading to tooth decay
and gum disease, says
Ellyne Dombro, a registered
dental assistant in
Cherry Hill, New Jersey,
who has PKD. If you do
indulge, rinse your mouth
immediately to clear
away sticky bacteria.
Even better: Listerine.
" It's the best mouthwash
to use because it actually
kills bacteria, " Dr.
Molinas says. Use it at
full strength and rinse
for a full 30 seconds. The
alcohol-free formula is
just as eff ective.
Chew sugarless gum.
Chewing sugarless gum
between meals increases
saliva production and
helps rid your teeth of
bacteria, Dombro says.
Communicate with
your dentist. Let your
dentist know what
medications
you
are taking;
if you are on
dialysis, have dry
mouth, or loose teeth;
or if anyone in your family
has gum disease. Your
dentist may prescribe
antibiotics before a procedure
to reduce your infection
risk, Dr. Molinas says.
If you're a transplant
patient, take special
care. Anti-rejection medications
can make gums
puff y and vulnerable to
infection. See your periodontist
as soon as possible
for special monitoring, Dr.
Molinas says.
*
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PKD Life - Summer 2021

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