ORAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN PATIENTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS: RISKS, BARRIERS, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Patients with psychiatric disorders face significantly increased risks for oral diseases, yet oral health remains largely neglected in mental healthcare systems. This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between psychiatric illness and oral health, emphasizing the behavioral, pharmacological, biological, and social determinants that contribute to poor oral outcomes in this population. Key risk factors include impaired self-care capacity, psychotropic medication side effects such as xerostomia and bruxism, unhealthy dietary habits, and systemic barriers such as stigma, poverty, and limited access to dental services. Furthermore, the lack of integration between psychiatric and dental care contributes to fragmented service delivery and suboptimal treatment outcomes. The review highlights emerging integrated models—such as co-located care, mobile dental units, and interdisciplinary teams—that offer promising strategies to improve access and quality of care. Future directions call for systemic reform, workforce training, personalized preventive strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure equitable oral health care for people with mental illness. Oral health should be recognized as a fundamental component of holistic psychiatric care.