Oral mucosal pH distribution among young kidney transplanted patients

Objectives: To examine the relationships between oral mucosal pH distribution and dental status in young patients after kidney transplantation (RTx) compared to healthy individuals. Methods: 54 children and adolescents were examined including 28 RTx youngsters and 26 controlled healthy children. Subjects were requested not to eat, drink or brush their teeth for one hour prior to the trial. Measurements were performed at morning, with single examiner. Plaque and gingival indices (PI, GI) and caries status (total number of carious or restored teeth observed clinically) were recorded. Oral mucosal pH was measured with a flat, glass electrode pH meter, ethically approved. Two sets of measurements were applied at 7 locations; palate (hard, soft), buccal mucosa (left, ,right) and the dorsal tongue (anterior, middle and posterior). Results: The RTx group demonstrated significant lower pH values than the healthy group in following sites: the hard palate (6.96 ± 0.56, 7.31 ± 0.69 respectively), the soft palate (6.81 ± 0.58, 7.19 ± 0.67 respectively), and the right mucosa (6.30 ± 0.30, 6.49 ± 0.34 respectively). PI scores were similar among the RTx and the conrtols (1.32 ± 0.77, 1.03 ± 0.58 respectively). GI scores were significantly higher among the RTx group (1.18 ± 0.72, 0.6 ± 0.6 respectively). Caries status was significantly lower in the RTx group as compared to healthy individuals (0.86 ± 1.4, 5.11 ± 3.7 respectively). The number of caries free individuals was three times more among the RTx group compared to the healthy group (61% ,23% respectively). Conclusions: Among RTx individuals, impaired kidney function may lead to higher blood urea and creatinine, thus less acidic oral environment is expected. The lower mucosal pH in 3 of the sites among the RTx and the higher GI scores may suggest an altered mucosal bufferization capability resulted from the immunosuppression of the patients.