Severe Mental Disorders Are Linked To Triple Risks Of Tooth Loss

The findings of a new interesting study were recently published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, one of the leading scientific magazines of our times. The scientists from the University of Queensland found out that people with very serious mental diseases and disorders like dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and others, have approximately three times higher chances to have serious dental problems, including tooth lose and others. Taking these findings into account, American researchers point on the necessity to pay more attention on dental care of such people and open more of free dental care programs for the patients with severe mental disorders.

In the framework of the study, the findings of as much as 14 previous studies and researches were analyzed and examined, embracing the information about 2784 patients with severe mental disorders.

According to the conclusions of American specialists, people with psychiatric disorders are 6.2 times more likely to suffer from minor or moderate dental problems (including tooth decay, missing tooth and so on), and 3.4 times more likely to lose all their teeth by the end of their life.

According one of the leaders of the study, Steve Kisely, Ph.D., there are several reasons and causes that can explain the above mentined tendency. “People with severe mental disorders and illnesses may not be able to clean their teeth properly because of poor housing or homelessness. Some medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilisers can also reduce the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases plaque formation. They may be reluctant to see a dentist because of they are scared of treatment, or worried about the cost,” the scientist says in the report about the research.

“Our analysis shows that, although the oral health of the general population has improved in much of the world, psychiatric patients remain at a disadvantage. This mirrors findings in other areas such as cardiovascular disease, where the health of the general population has improved – but not that of people with severe mental illness. Oral health should be part of the standard assessment for all patients with severe mental illness. When patients are admitted to hospital, their care plans should include a basic assessment of oral hygiene – including factors known to cause oral ill-health such as medication, tobacco and drug use. Patients with mental illness who are treated in the community should be given advice on diet, smoking and brushing technique. We believe policy-makers should also consider providing free, accessible dental care for people with severe mental illness.”

Tags: dental care, severe mental disorders