The association between caries experience and demographic, socioeconomic, and psychometric factors among persons with severe psychiatric and/or substance use disorders: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study found that people with severe mental health or substance use issues have high rates of tooth decay, linked to age, substance use, and poor dental hygiene.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into dental health disparities among individuals with severe psychiatric and substance use disorders.

Findings

About 80% of participants had at least one decayed tooth, indicating significant dental issues.

Tooth decay was significantly associated with age, substance use, and toothbrushing frequency.

The study highlights unmet dental care needs in this vulnerable population.

Abstract

This study examined caries experience and its association with demographic, socioeconomic, and psychometric factors among persons with severe psychiatric and/or substance use disorders.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among inpatients at the Division of Mental Health and Substance Use, University Hospital of Northern Norway. Clinical oral examinations assessed decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth separately and combined (DMFT). A questionnaire assessed demographic and socioeconomical factors, as well as variables from several health domains, including oral health. Analyses included descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and regression models.

The study included 136 adults (mean age 37.7 years, range 19–70, 60% men). Mean scores were decayed teeth (DT) = 4.6 standard deviation (SD = 4.8), filled teeth (FT) = 7.9 (SD = 5.3), missing teeth (MT) = 2.6 (SD = 4.4), and DMFT = 13.6 (SD = 7.8). About 80% had at least one decayed tooth; 45% had DT ≥ 4. Eight percent had fewer than 20 teeth. DT was significantly associated with age, substance use, and toothbrushing frequency. DMFT was associated with age and toothbrushing frequency.

Findings reveal substantial unmet dental care needs, underscoring the importance of tailored interventions within the dental healthcare system.