Oral health of prosthetic rehabilitated patients with schizophrenia

Introduction/Objective Factors such as nature of psychiatric disorder, length of hospitalization and oral-side effects of psychotropic medications may considerably contribute to high prevalence of oral diseases among people with schizophrenia, and a consequent need for prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to ascertain the oral health level of prosthetic rehabilitated patients with schizophrenia and to consider their needs for future improvement of prosthetic rehabilitation. Methods The study group comprised 52 patients with schizophrenia, hospitalized at the Dr Laza Lazarevid Clinic for Mental Disorders, Belgrade.The control group comprised 52 patients with no psychiatric medical history, treated at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade.The oral health indices (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index - DMFT, Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs - CPITN, and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index - OHI-S), socio-demographic characteristics, smoking habits, oral hygiene habits, and previous dental visits were registered in both groups, as well as medical characteristics of the primary disease in the study group patients. Results Fifty percent of the study group patients had partial mobile dentures, while almost 30% had fixed dentures, in contrast to the control group patients, who prevalently had fixed dentures. In both groups of patients, a statistical significance was observed between partial mobile and fixed dentures wearers, in terms of DMFT index, carious teeth, CPI modified, and OHI-S. Similarly, a statistically significant difference between the groups was observed concerning fixed dentures in terms of carious teeth, filled teeth, CPI modified, and OHI-S. Conclusion Multidisciplinary approach is needed for complete oral and prosthetic rehabilitation of this group of psychiatric patients.