Kidney Week

Abstract: FR-PO0276

Association Between Untreated Dental Caries and Proteinuria in Patients with CKD

Session Information

• CKD: Omics, Systemic Stressors, and Targeted Pharmacotherapy
  October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: CKD (Non-Dialysis)

• 2201 CKD (Non-Dialysis): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Authors

• Misaki, Taro, Seirei Hamamatsu Byoin, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Taro Misaki, MD, PhD

• Naka, Shuhei, Okayama Daigaku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Shuhei Naka, PhD

• Matsuoka, Daiki, Okayama Daigaku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Daiki Matsuoka

• Suehiro, Yuto, Osaka Daigaku, Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Yuto Suehiro

• Ito, Seigo, Jieitai Iruma Byoin, Iruma, Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Seigo Ito, MD

• Nagasawa, Yasuyuki, Hyogo Ika Daigaku, Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Yasuyuki Nagasawa, MD, PhD

• Nomura, Ryota, Hiroshima Daigaku, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Ryota Nomura, MD

• Matsumoto-Nakano, Michiyo, Okayama Daigaku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Michiyo Matsumoto-Nakano

• Nakano, Kazuhiko, Osaka Daigaku, Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Kazuhiko Nakano, PhD

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health burden, and identification of modifiable factors associated with disease progression is important. Although oral infection has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to systemic inflammation and chronic disease progression, the association between dental caries and proteinuria in CKD remains unclear. We hypothesized that a higher number of dental caries is associated with proteinuria in patients with CKD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 227 patients with CKD who underwent renal biopsy and dental examination at a single center. Dental caries status was assessed using the DMFT index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth). Clinical parameters, including urinary protein excretion (g/gCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood pressure, hemoglobin, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, and HbA1c, were evaluated. Patients were categorized by DMFT index (<15 vs. ≥15) and decayed teeth component (DMFT-D <5 vs. ≥5). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between dental caries and proteinuria.

Results

Patients with a DMFT index ≥15 had significantly higher urinary protein excretion than those with DMFT <15. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, eGFR, C-reactive protein, and HbA1c. A higher number of untreated caries (DMFT-D ≥5) was significantly associated with proteinuria, as well as higher blood pressure and serum creatinine levels. No significant differences in dental caries status were observed among CKD etiologies.

Conclusion

A higher number of dental caries, particularly untreated caries, is associated with proteinuria in CKD, suggesting that dental caries may represent a modifiable factor linked to disease progression.

Funding

• Other NIH Support