UC Researchers Find Link Between Kidney and Gum Disease

Emerging evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between chronic kidney disease and oral diseases.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine have analyzed evidence from over 150 previously published studies and found a growing body of evidence pointing to a connection between oral health and kidney health. The research suggests that chronic kidney disease (CKD) and oral diseases, such as periodontal disease, have interlinked inflammatory pathways that may contribute to the progression of both conditions.

Why it matters

This research highlights the importance of integrating oral health care into the overall management of chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD face increased risks for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, which are linked to poor oral health. Better coordination between dental and medical providers could lead to earlier identification of oral health issues and improved risk assessment for CKD patients.

The details

The study, published in BMC Nephrology, found that the relationship between CKD and oral diseases appears to be driven by factors like immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, microbial imbalance, and systemic inflammation. Researchers noted that many physicians still treat oral health separately from chronic disease, rather than integrating it into a broader treatment strategy. This disconnect can be especially significant for patients undergoing dialysis and awaiting kidney transplants, as untreated oral infections can delay the transplant procedure.

  • The study's findings were published in April 2026.

The players

Priyanka Gudsoorkar

The study's first author and an assistant professor-educator in the Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Prakash Gudsoorkar, MD

The study's corresponding author and an associate professor in the Division of Nephrology in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He is also a UC Health nephrologist.

OK-CARE

A multidisciplinary initiative formed by the authors and other experts in clinical dentistry and nephrology to advance research, clinical collaboration, and policy development at the intersection of oral health and kidney disease.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We know there is an association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and oral diseases. The emerging evidence supports a bidirectional relationship.”

— Priyanka Gudsoorkar, Assistant professor-educator, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

“Systemic inflammation is linked to a triad of other conditions: diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and hypertension encompassing metabolic syndrome.”

— Prakash Gudsoorkar, MD, Associate professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

“We see oral disease severity increase as CKD progresses, and the literature supports a biologically plausible relationship. What we still need are well-designed prospective studies and clinical trials to clarify the direction and magnitude of causality.”

— Priyanka Gudsoorkar, Assistant professor-educator, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

What’s next

Researchers are now calling on physicians to begin integrating oral and renal health more directly within clinical care systems, including implementing standardized care protocols and improving the sharing of patient health records across specialties. This could enable earlier intervention and ease the economic burden for patients.

The takeaway

This research highlights the critical need to better integrate oral health care into the overall management of chronic kidney disease. By addressing the bidirectional relationship between oral diseases and CKD, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of these interlinked conditions.