Enamel Defect and Gingival Enlargement in Pediatric Patients with Kidney Disease at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Wiboon Weraarchakul MD*, Wilawan Weraarchakul DDS**, Suwannee Wisanuyotin MD*, Manat Panamonta MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ** Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Although many complications from kidney disease therapy can be prevented or effectively treated, oral health
problems are nevertheless a consequence.
Objective : The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of enamel defect and gingival enlargement in pediatric
patients with kidney disease at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and August 2013, at Srinagarind Hospital,
Khon Kaen University. Ninety-seven pediatric patients with kidney disease were allowed by their parents to participate in this
study. Data were collected from medical records, questionnaires and oral examination records. The enamel defect was
recorded using the Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. Gingival enlargement was recorded using the Gingival Enlargement
Index. An oral examination was conducted using a mouth mirror, explorer and periodontal probe.
Results : The average age of the pediatric patients with kidney disease was 11.53+3.7 years (range, 4-17). The majority of
subjects were able to (a) come for an appointment (97.9%), (b) take medication according to the medical directions (93.8%)
and (c) avoid inappropriate foods for those suffering kidney disease (84.5%). The prevalence of enamel defect was 27.8%.
The most common enamel defects were demarcated opacities (13.4%) or diffuse opacities (9.3%). The prevalence of gingival
enlargement was 16.5%.
Conclusion : This study revealed that the prevalence of enamel defect was 27.8% and the prevalence of gingival enlargement
was 16.5%.
Keywords : Enamel defect, Gingival enlargement, Pediatric patients, Kidney disease
