Dental health of psychiatric in-patients in Jordan

Abstract EN

Background: Poor dental health has been reported among various psychiatric populations.

Little information is available regarding the dental health of hospitalized psychiatric patients in Jordan.

Aims: The aim of the study was to examine the dental health and treatment needs of a group of psychiatric in-patients in Jordan.

Methods: Before undergoing oral examination, subjects completed a questionnaire on dental hygiene, associated behaviors, and demographic characteristics.

Information regarding patients' oral health was collected using plaque, gingival, and decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMF) indices.

Results: A significant majority of patients had dental caries, gingival inflammation, oral plaque, and tooth erosion.

Sixty-three per cent of patients needed dental extraction and eighty-seven percent required conservative dental treatment Conclusion: Oral health of patients admitted to the psychiatric unit seems to be considerably worse than that of the general population.

Mental health professionals should pay more attention to oral health status of psychiatric patients.