Dental care is poor and a disregarded health issue among people with serious mental illness. They are on a higher risk than average for tooth decay,inflamed gums and denture problems. Medication combined with reduced self care is an important cause.
Poor dental health can increase the risk for social stigmatization / isolation and serious physical health problems.
There is a causal link between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease and even stroke.Considering that people with serious mental illness like schizophrenia die 15-20 years earlier on average than the general population we have have enough reasons to take dental health seriously.
There is a causal link between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease and even stroke.Considering that people with serious mental illness like schizophrenia die 15-20 years earlier on average than the general population we have have enough reasons to take dental health seriously.
According to Danish research only 31% of schizophrenia patients complied with a regular annual dental check-up visit , compared to 68% in the general adult Danish population. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20584518
Huge risks for poor dental care are: substance abuse diagnosis ,living in an institution or admission to a psychiatric facility for a minimum of 30 days and male sex.
However Clozapine treatment, at least monthly outpatient visits , and age 50+ were associated with a lower risk for inappropriate dental care.
Psychotropic meds can cause shortage or too much saliva or a change in acidity. Combined with poor oral health this can make tooth decay occur faster.
Many patients smoke. This increases the risk for gum disease : one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
Smoking also slows down healing after oral surgery. It can damage gum tissue and receding gums leaving the roots of the teeth exposed. This can increase the risk of tooth decay and cause hot/cold sensitivity.
To improve the level of dental health we can help patients to
- Use less sugar and acidic products like carbonated drinks
- brush 2x a day preferably with an electrical toothbrush , they are much more efficient than ordinary brushes
- use fluoride toothpaste
- use floss or interdental cleaning brushes twice a day
- visit a dentist and support the visit if needed. We may ask the dentist about screening for the rate of salivation to see if the amount and acidity of the saliva is within limits.
- decrease smoking
- Use 4 - 7 xylitol chewing gums or lozenges devided over the day. It needs to be 100% xylitol, no other sugar substitutes.This reduces dental plaque. It stimulates the production of anti-bacterial saliva and remineralization of the teeth. And it partially replaces sugars in the diet (satisfies the ‘sweet tooth’) Using Xylitol chewing gum or rinse can decrease tooth decay with 60 %. For those who cant use gum or lozenges xylitol mouth water may be an option.
- Use 4 - 7 xylitol chewing gums or lozenges devided over the day. It needs to be 100% xylitol, no other sugar substitutes.This reduces dental plaque. It stimulates the production of anti-bacterial saliva and remineralization of the teeth. And it partially replaces sugars in the diet (satisfies the ‘sweet tooth’) Using Xylitol chewing gum or rinse can decrease tooth decay with 60 %. For those who cant use gum or lozenges xylitol mouth water may be an option.
In high amounts xylitol can have a laxative effect and cause flatulence.
- Inform patients that they should avoid to consume acidic products one hour before brushing teeth. The surface of teeth is softened by the acid and can be damaged.
Let's make dental care a priority in psychiatry. After all it is basic care, not luxury .
- Inform patients that they should avoid to consume acidic products one hour before brushing teeth. The surface of teeth is softened by the acid and can be damaged.
Let's make dental care a priority in psychiatry. After all it is basic care, not luxury .
