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. 2024 Oct 11;12(20):2018. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12202018

Table 2.

Summary of oral health issues, causes, and interventions for different mental disorders.

Mental Disorder Oral Health Issues Potential Causes Suggested Interventions
ASD
[22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,33,34]		 Dental caries, Periodontal disease, Open bite, Xerostomia Sensory sensitivities, preference for soft/sugary foods, medication side effects (antipsychotics causing dry mouth), motor coordination difficulties hindering oral hygiene
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    Sensory-friendly dental environments

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    Desensitization techniques

  • -

    Caregiver education on daily oral hygiene routines

  • -

    Use of electric toothbrushes and fluoride varnishes to assist oral care
Depression
[2,7,8,10,11,35,36,37,38,39,40]		 Dental caries, Periodontal disease, Xerostomia, TMJD Reduced motivation for self-care, medication side effects (antidepressants causing dry mouth), poor nutrition, altered pain perception, dental anxiety
  • -

    Integrated care with mental health management

  • -

    Saliva substitutes

  • -

    Fluoride treatments

  • -

    Dietary counseling

  • -

    Enhanced oral hygiene support, including oral hygiene motivation strategies
Bipolar disorder
[41,42,43,44]		 Dental caries, Periodontal disease, Xerostomia, Gingival hyperplasia Alternating manic (excessive brushing) and depressive (neglecting oral hygiene) behaviors, medication side effects (e.g., lithium causing dry mouth, anticonvulsants causing gum overgrowth)
  • -

    Regular monitoring of oral health during mood shifts

  • -

    Coordination with healthcare providers to adjust medications and manage side effects

  • -

    Patient education on avoiding overzealous brushing during manic phases
Schizophrenia [1,3,4,12,46,47,48,49,50,51] Dental caries, Periodontal disease, Xerostomia, Tardive dyskinesia Cognitive impairments, medication side effects (antipsychotics causing dry mouth and movement disorders), social stigma, financial constraints limiting access to care
  • -

    Specialized dental care

  • -

    Regular check-ups and cleanings to prevent caries and periodontitis

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    Collaboration between dental and mental health professionals to manage tardive dyskinesia and oral hygiene
Anxiety and depressive disorders [2,8,10,11] Higher rates of dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss Anxiety-induced bruxism, antidepressant-induced xerostomia, poor oral hygiene from reduced motivation
  • -

    Behavioral interventions for managing stress and bruxism

  • -

    Use of fluoride rinses

  • -

    Regular dental check-ups

  • -

    Management of xerostomia with saliva substitutes and routine dental cleaning