Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Psychiatric Inpatients in Ranchi, India

Abstract

Background: Oral health has an impact on general health, selfesteem and quality of life, but it often has a low priority in the context of mental health and in some phases of illness, the priority may be nonexistent. Patients with psychiatric illness have poor oral hygiene than general population. Very few studies have been reported regarding the oral health among Indian psychiatric inpatients. Aim: To assess the oral health status of long-term psychiatric inpatients in a psychiatric institute and to evaluate the treatment requirements of psychiatric inpatients for maintaining the oral hygiene. Materials and methods: Psychiatric inpatients were examined and data was collected using the WHO standardized dental evaluation form in the psychiatric institute. Results: One hundred and forty-one patients (53% female; mean age: 36.56 ± 13.26 years; 47% male; mean age: 37.36 ± 12.49 years; length of illness: More than 5 years, 35.5%; less than 5 years, 64.5%) were included in the study, 73% being schizophrenics. Dental caries was found in 55.3% patients. Calculus was present in 94.3% patients. Missing teeth was found in 22.7% patients. Mucosal lesions and oral ulcers were seen in 5.7 and 1.4% of total examined patients respectively. Percentages of patient requiring extractions were 34.8%, oral prophylaxis 98.6%, conservative treatment 31.9% and prosthesis 20.6%. Age was significantly correlated with number of decayed (r = 0.294, p < 0.01) and missing teeth (r = 0.436, p < 0.01). Length of illness was significantly correlated with number of decayed (r = 0.256, p < 0.01) and missing teeth (r = 0.229, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Oral health is an important and integral part of health care. Members of multidisciplinary team should be encouraged to assist psychiatric patients in maintaining their oral health with good oral hygiene and access to dental treatment taking into account their special needs.