5 Symptoms Of Kidney Diseases That Can Be Seen From The Mouth

Illustration of symptoms of kidney disease through the mouth (Photo: Freepik/stockking)

JAKARTA - Kidney disease is known as a disorder that affects the function of the internal organs, especially in filtering waste from the blood. However, did you know that kidney conditions can also provide warning signs through the mouth?

The mouth is often a reflection of the overall condition of the body, including the kidneys. When the kidneys are no longer able to carry out their functions properly, waste and poison can accumulate in the blood and affect other body parts, including the mouth and tongue.

Here are the symptoms of the mouth that can indicate kidney disorders, as reported by the My Kidney Disease Team page.

1. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth is one of the most common signs in people with kidney disease, especially those undergoing the procedure are analyzed. This is due to decreased saliva production due to buildup of toxins in the body or side effects of drugs.

About 3 out of 4 people undergoing analysis reported experiencing dry mouth as the main symptom. This condition can cause a sense of stickyness in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, mouth odor, and dry lips and breaking.

Dry mouths can also increase the risk of infection, filtering, and tooth damage due to lack of sufficient saliva to protect oral tissue.

2. Tongue Feels Strange Or Change Color

Patients with kidney disease often report changes to the tongue, such as feeling rough, dry, changing color or appearance of cracks on the surface. Uremia, which is an excess of urea in the blood, can cause sensations such as the taste of metal in the tongue and the smell of the mouth such as urine.

3. Luka or Sariawan in the Tongue and Mouth

Sariawan and small wounds to the tongue or oral cavity can be a sign that the body is experiencing stress due to kidney disorders or a decrease in the immune system.

Other causes of this wound include side effects of drugs such as diuretics and immunosuppressance, severe dry mouth, and fungal infection (especially in diabetics or with weak immunity).

4. White Layer On His Tongue (Uremic Stomatics)

In more severe cases, uremia can cause a rare condition called uremic stomatic, namely the appearance of a white layer on the tongue, accompanied by pain, smell of the mouth, and burning. This arises due to high levels of urea in the blood.

5. Unpleasant Oral

Smellful mouth odors such as ammonia or urine can also indicate a buildup of blood waste. This condition usually occurs in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

Symptoms of the mouth often appear before other systemic symptoms. Therefore, paying attention to oral health can help early detection of kidney problems.

Pediatricians are the first to detect signs of kidney disease in patients who are not yet aware of their condition. Therefore, it is important not to ignore changes in the mouth.

Poor mouth health can increase the risk of complications after kidney transplant, so maintaining oral hygiene is very important for people with kidney disease.

How To Care For The Mouth For Kidney Diseases

Several steps that can help maintain mouth health for people with kidney disease, including:

- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft hair brush

- Usefluoride toothpaste

- Clean the teeth with dental threads every day

- Use alcohol-free mouthwash

- Drink water regularly to maintain mouth moisture

- Consult regularly to dentists and kidney doctors