Mental Health Issues and Special Care Patients.
Mental illness is a major health issue in the world today, yet often remains misunderstood, unrecognized, and undertreated. Patients suffering from severe psychiatric disorders generally display poor oral health, often as a consequence of both lifestyle and avoidant-type behaviors that become exacerbated by their illness. Individuals with severe mental illness display a greater incidence of oral disease compared with a similar demographic not dealing with these particular disorders. Efforts to enhance the oral health of these vulnerable patients will play a significant role in the overall rebuilding of their self-esteem and contribute positively to their journey toward stability and recovery.
Dental Services, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, 700 Gordon Street, Whitby, Ontario L1N 5S9, Canada. Electronic address: davidclark1461@gmail.com.
David B
DB
Clark
D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D009909:Oral Health; D012649:Self Concept
Addictions; Mental illness; Oral health complications; Psychotropic medications; Stigma; Xerostomia