Oral health of people with emotional disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives This study aims to determine the association between severe mental disorders and oral health among individuals over 18 years of age. Methods An electronic search was conducted in six electronic databases and gray literature. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed on studies that met the inclusion criteria. The methodology of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. A meta-analysis of proportions with a random effect was carried out. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE tool. Results After searching the databases, 5,734 references were retrieved, and twenty articles were selected for synthesis. Considering the DMFT index between the groups with mental disorders and the control group, the values of the DMFT index were higher among individuals with schizophrenia [MD = 5.27; 95% CI = 4.13 – 6.42; I 2 = 35%] and bipolar disorder [MD = 1.90; 95% CI = 0.87 – 2.93]. Values were lower among individuals with obsessive–compulsive disorder [MD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.46—0.24]. The risk of bias was considered low for 16 studies, and four were classified with a moderate risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was very low. Conclusion Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder exhibit increased frequency in the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth. There was no effect in relation to periodontal probing depth, plaque index, and TMD, but the evidence is still uncertain for this outcome. Clinical relevance These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive health approach.