WHAT IS KIDNEY DISEASE?
Our team at Gentle Dentistry in Tampa, Florida, is here to help you understand the oral connection to other conditions of the body, including kidney disease. Chronic kidney failure, sometimes referred to as chronic kidney disease, is best described as a slow decline in the functionality of the kidneys. Your kidneys function as specialized filters which remove excess fluid and toxins from your blood. The waste is then excreted when you urinate. When chronic kidney disease reaches the more advanced stages, your body can accumulate extremely high levels of electrolytes, waste, and fluid.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE KIDNEY FAILURE?
There are a couple of symptoms of possible kidney failure in its earliest stages that may be noticeable. Typically, this condition can only become evident once there is a direct and noticeable impairment in one’s kidney functionality.
- Causes can include immune system conditions like lupus and chronic viral illnesses like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
- Chronic Kidney Disease, sometimes referred to by the acronym CKD, affects approximately 26 million American adults
- Early detection is often challenging because the common signs and symptoms of both kidney disease and acute kidney failure might be easily overlooked
- Early detection of kidney failure can significantly help in preventing the progression of the disease, which can otherwise cause kidney failure or death
- Other common causes may include certain types of inflammation in the kidneys, which may occur after streptococcus and other common infections
- Polycystic kidney disease, where fluid-filled cysts develop within the kidneys, is one of the most common forms of inherited kidney diseases
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASES:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Small amounts of urine passing through
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Swelling, including the ankles
- Puffiness around the eyes
TREATMENT SOLUTIONS FOR THOSE WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
- People diagnosed with chronic kidney disease might experience hypertension or high blood pressure and may also retain fluids. This can result in swelling and an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. Medications called diuretics can be used to help maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body
- Your primary care physician might recommend certain medications known as statins which can lower cholesterol. Patients who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease often have high cholesterol that can increase their risks of developing heart disease and its coexisting complications
HOW ARE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND ORAL HEALTH RELATED?
There needs to be additional research to determine the link and fully understand the connection between tooth loss and gum disease with chronic kidney disease. Both are inflammatory conditions, and according to research, inflammation may be the critical link between the two diseases. If you suspect that you may have any kidney concerns or notice the signs of periodontal disease, it’s time to connect with a Tampa, Florida area dental team who can evaluate you and provide you with the treatments you need to bring your smile—and body—back to health.
Call Drs. Angela Rasmussen and Amanda del Cueto of Gentle Dentistry at (813) 734-7102 to discuss your needs.
