Investigating dental health status in patients with psychiatric disorders

Abstract

Background: Oral health is a central aspect of overall health and well-being. However, people with psychiatric disorders are more vulnerable to oral health problems due to illness-related factors, limited access to dental care, and lifestyle habits. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the dental health status in patients with psychiatric disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all 80 patients with psychiatric disorders hospitalized at Razi Hospital in Tabriz, Iran in 2020. Sampling was done by census method. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire covering demographics, oral health behavior, and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT). Information was obtained through interviews, a review of medical records, and dental examinations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and ANOVA in SPSS v.24 software. Results: 52.6% of participants were male. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39.16 (9.42) years. Over half (53.8%) had low socioeconomic status and half were married. The mean (SD) DMFT was 10.96 (9.77). The results showed significant relationships between the frequency of dental visits, smoking, and the DMFT index (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The DMFT index in patients with psychiatric disorders was unfavorable. Support programs to promote self-care, oral health, smoking cessation, and regular dental visits are needed in this population.

Keywords

• oral health
• dental health
• psychiatric disorders
• dmft index