Evaluation of Oral Health Status and Temporomandibular Joint in Patients with Various Psychiatric Disorders in a Tertiary Care Center of Maharashtra, India

Introduction: Living a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle is equally vital. It occurs at all socioeconomic levels and affects individuals of all backgrounds. It is estimated that 450 million people are suffering from mental problems worldwide. Irrespective of the cause, everyone should be aware that poor dental health impacts overall health.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of oral health for people with different psychiatric illnesses in Maharashtra, to determine whether these people’s level of oral health correlates with other characteristics and to determine the extent of the issue with dental health and the best way to address it.

Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, ninety-eight patients receiving care at the Psychiatric department of Maharashtra, India, between April and May 2022 were included. A case history Performa was prepared to gather detailed information on all aspects. The oral examination was done by examining lymph nodes, lips, tongue, gums and tissue, saliva, natural teeth, oral cleanliness, and dental pain with a sterile mouth mirror and probe using Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) for Dental Screening Modified from Kayser-Jones . Dental caries was reported using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Furthermore, Helkimo’s TMJ Index was used to assess Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Descriptive statistics were used to observe frequency variation.

Result: The participants patients mean age was 41.33±13.58 years, and their range of age was 21-65 years. The male to female ratio of the study population was 1:1.13. Sleep disorders (24.50%) and anxiety (22.40%) were the most prevalent psychiatric conditions impacting the research population. The oral health examination of the patients described changes in the oral cavity and associated factors, including lips, tongue, gums and tissues, saliva, natural teeth, oral cleanliness, and dental pain. 59.10% of the participants had moderate to severe TMJ dysfunction. The range of the DMFT score was 3 to 17 (mean 7.89±3.21). The participants’ TMJ Index score ranged from 0 to 17 (mean 5.51±4.48). More than half of the participants (59.10 %) had moderate to severe TMJ dysfunction.

Conclusion: Maharashtra’s psychiatric patients have poor oral health conditions, highlighting the need for oral health education and expanding access to dental care for these patients.