Mental health and dental health: Severe and chronic mental disorders and odontostomatological health. Clinical and care implications

Abstract

People with severe and chronic mental disorders, as schizophrenia, may have a poor dental health, with a high incidence of advanced dental disease compared with the general population. There are several possible causes, including the impaired ability to plan and perform oral hygiene procedures, adverse effects of psychiatric drugs (dry mouth), bad dietary habits or limited access to treatment because of lack of financial resources or other causes. Mental health professionals frequently neglect the importance of a good oral health, and dental care, treatment and prevention strategies are not usually included in care and rehabilitation plans.The aim of the present study is to examine the dental health status of a sample of community, not hospitalized people with severe and chronic mental disorder, and at least two year of pharmacologic treatment.MethodA sample of 60 patients receiving care in community mental health services (day hospital) has been evaluated using the DMF-T index (number of carius, missing and restored teeth) and the CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs). The sample has been compared with a control group selected to mach the study group by age and gender.Results and ConclusionsOral and dental health status of people with chronic and severe mental disorders seems to be significative worse than that of the general population. This can have clinical and social implications in their general health, stigma and social acceptation. Mental health services must be aware and make efforts to detect this problem and to facilitate treatment and preventive strategies.