Last updated: February 19, 2026
Medically reviewed by: NKF Patient Education Team
Good dental health is essential for people living with kidney disease. Oral infections and gum disease can lead to inflammation and make kidney problems worse. Regular dental checkups and good daily care can help protect your health.
How Dental Health Affects Kidney Health
Your mouth and kidneys are connected through your body’s immune and circulatory systems. When bacteria (germs) in your mouth cause infections, your body fights back with inflammation. Inflammation helps heal infections at first, but if it lasts too long (chronic inflammation), it can harm your body—including your kidneys.
For people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), dental infections and inflammation can:
- Worsen existing kidney damage
- Increase the risk of heart disease
- Make it harder to control blood pressure
- Delay healing after surgery or transplant
Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. This makes infections more dangerous for people whose immune systems are weaker from CKD, dialysis, or transplant medicines.
Always tell your dentist if you have kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have had a kidney transplant.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Steps for Good Dental Health
Practicing daily oral care helps prevent decay and gum disease. Try these steps:
- Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle brush.
- Take your time and brush all sides of each tooth
- Floss once a day or use floss substitutes like soft picks.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth. Your dentist may also suggest fluoride or antimicrobial mouth rinses.
- Manage dry mouth. Some kidney medicines can cause dry mouth, which increases cavity risk. Try sugar-free gum, sugar-free lozenges, or saliva substitutes like Biotene.
- See your dentist twice a year for cleaning and exams. Regular visits can catch small problems before they become serious.
- Clean dentures daily and remove them at night to prevent sores and infections
Dental Health During Dialysis
Healthy teeth and gums help you chew and enjoy high protein foods like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Protein is important during dialysis to help maintain muscle strength, support healing, and prevent malnutrition.
People on dialysis may have a higher risk of bleeding, infection, and delayed healing. During dialysis, blood thinners are often used to prevent clotting, which can increase bleeding during dental procedures. Some people on dialysis also have weaker immune systems, making infections more serious.
To stay safe:
- Schedule dental visits on non-dialysis days
- Tell your dentist about your dialysis schedule and where you receive treatment
- Share a complete list of all medicines, including blood thinners
- Ask your dentist to coordinate care with your kidney care team if you need dental treatment
Regular dental care can help prevent infections that could lead to hospital stays or interruptions in dialysis treatment.
Dental Care and Kidney Transplant
Dental health is an important part of the kidney transplant evaluation process. Active dental infections, such as untreated cavities or gum disease, can delay or prevent approval for transplant because infections can spread during surgery.
After a kidney transplant, anti-rejection medicines weaken your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight infections and allows dental infections to spread more easily. Treating dental problems before transplant surgery helps lower the risk of serious complications after transplant.
For these reasons, transplant teams often require a dental exam as part of transplant clearance.
Medicare covers the dental exam required for transplant clearance, but it does not cover follow-up dental treatment, such as fillings, extractions, or gum care. If treatment is needed, costs may be out of pocket.
If you are worried about paying for dental care:
- Talk with your transplant team early in the evaluation process
- Ask about community dental clinics, charity programs, or dental school clinics
- Do not delay dental care, as untreated problems can delay transplant approval or scheduling
Keeping your mouth healthy before and after transplant helps protect your new kidney and your overall health.
Diagnosis
Dental problems are diagnosed through routine dental exams. Regular checkups help find issues early before they become serious or affect your kidney health.
Tests
Your dentist may use:
- Visual exams of teeth and gums
- Dental X rays to check for decay or bone loss
- Gum measurements to look for gum disease
Treatment
Overview
Treatment for dental problems depends on the type of dental issue and your stage of kidney disease. Treating dental problems early can help prevent infections from spreading, reduce inflammation in the body, and protect your kidney health.
Common dental treatments may include cleanings, fillings, treatment for gum disease, or care for infections. Your dentist and doctor may work together to plan safe treatment, especially if you are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant.
Medications
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, pain medicines, or mouth rinses to treat infection or reduce discomfort.
Always tell your dentist and doctor about:
- All prescription medicines
- Over the counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Dialysis or transplant medicines
Some dental medicines may need dose changes or should be avoided in people with kidney disease. Your care team can help choose options that are safe for your kidneys.
Nutrition
Good nutrition supports healing, helps prevent infection, and protects both your teeth and kidneys.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks, which increase the risk of cavities
- Choose soft or easy to chew foods if you have mouth pain or dental work
- Follow your kidney nutrition plan for protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus as advised by your kidney care team
- Drink fluids as advised by your kidney care team
If eating is difficult because of dental pain, ask your doctor or dietitian for guidance to help you meet your nutrition needs.
Questions to Ask
Ask your dentist:
- Do any of my medicines increase the risk of dry mouth or bleeding?
- How often should I schedule cleanings?
- Are there special products or rinses that can protect my teeth and gums?
Ask your kidney care team:
- Should I avoid any dental procedures before or after dialysis?
- How can I manage dry mouth or bleeding during treatment?
- What steps should I take before my kidney transplant evaluation?
Resources for Dental Care
- If you need help paying for dental services, these programs may be able to help:
- Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS): Volunteer dentists provide free care to people with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses like CKD.
- Community Health Centers: Many offers low-cost dental care on a sliding scale.
- Dental schools: Dental students provide supervised care at reduced costs.
