Researchers highlight crisis in dental care for people with severe mental illness

Media outlet Eureka Alert explain “The study explores the reasons why people with severe mental illness – such as Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – struggle to maintain good oral health and access dental care, leaving them three times more likely than the general population to lose all their teeth.

“The research found a lack of integration of oral, mental and physical health care services and lack of tailored support for accessing dental care to be contributing factors.

“The study highlights the need for mental health care staff to provide support for good oral health. Dental care providers would also benefit from training to increase their knowledge of the needs of people with severe mental illness, the research suggests.”