Recently analysed evidence by a US team points to a connection between oral health and kidney health.
In a paper published in BMC Nephrology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine researchers combined evidence from more than 150 previously published papers, including observational studies, meta-analyses and interventional trials, and identified growing evidence of oral-renal interactions.
“We know there is an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and oral diseases,” first author Dr Priyanka Gudsoorkar said.
“The emerging evidence supports a bidirectional relationship.”
Researchers said the relationship appears to be driven by immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction (narrowing of the blood vessels), microbial dysbiosis (oral microbial imbalance), and systemic inflammation. Periodontal disease and CKD have interlinked inflammatory pathways that may contribute to disease progression.
“Systemic inflammation is linked to a triad of other conditions: diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and hypertension encompassing metabolic syndrome,” A/Prof Prakash Gudsoorkar said.
He added that patients with kidney disease at all stages face increased risk for these conditions.
“This triad operates as a clinical cascade.”
Diabetes and hypertension accelerate the decline of kidney function, while cardiovascular disease becomes a dominant risk factor. CKD also multiplies the risk of complications involving glycemic control, medication management and complex care needs.
“We see oral disease severity increase as CKD progresses, and the literature supports a biologically plausible relationship,” Dr Gudsoorkar said.
“What we still need are well-designed prospective studies and clinical trials to clarify the direction and magnitude of causality.”
