Tooth loss three times higher in people with serious mental illness

People with severe mental illnesses are over three times more likely to lose their teeth because of poor oral health than the general population, University of Queensland researchers have found.

The research, published in the September issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, shows that psychiatric patients have not shared in recent improvements in dental health and the researchers have called for free dental care for people with severe mental illness.

Researchers analysed 14 studies into the oral health of people with severe mental illness published over the past 20 years.

All the psychiatric patients in the studies (2784) had been diagnosed with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, dementia, bipolar disorder or other affective disorders.

The review found that the psychiatric patients were 3.4 times more likely to have lost all their teeth.

They were also 6.2 times more likely to have decayed, filled or missing teeth.

Lead researcher Professor Steve Kisely said a combination of factors was to blame.

"People with severe mental illness may not be able to clean their teeth properly because of poor housing or homelessness," he said.

"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.

"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."

Professor Kisely said 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," he said.

(Source: The University of Queensland: British Journal of Psychiatry)

More information

For more information on nutrition and dental health, including the importance of food to proper tooth development in newborns and children, as well as tips for maintaining healthy teeth, see Nutrition and Dental Health.