Analysis of oral health status and related factors in hospitalized psychiatric patients

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the oral health of inpatients with mental disorders, providing foun­dational data for future oral health policies.</br>Materials and Methods: Oral examination results obtained from alcohol use disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients currently residing in mental health facility were used to investigate the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and Community Periodontal Index score. Self-administered questionnaire record was utilized to categorize patients based on survey items, and the DMFT index and Community Periodontal Index results were analyzed.</br>Results: As age increased, both DMFT and MT showed higher values. Schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients exhibited higher DMFT and MT results compared to those with alcohol use disorder. Longer duration of illness and hospitalization were associated with poorer oral health conditions. Significant differences were observed in oral health-related indices based on toothbrushing frequency, post-meal brushing, and time spent per brushing session. Individuals who had received dental treatment in the past 6 months and regular dental check-ups before admission demonstrated significantly lower DMFT and MT results.</br>Conclusion: In mental health facility inpatients, oral health conditions varied based on age, types of mental disorders, illness and hospitalization duration, oral care habits, and dental visits. Overall, their oral health status was less favorable than that of the general population. Regular oral exams, oral health education, and hygiene management training for facility personnel are believed to significantly improve oral health in these patients.