Conclusion

It is an unfortunate fact that many patients who have chronic mental illness have increased oral health problems. In principle, this can be improved. By working with patients and their case managers to ensure regular oral hygiene and routine professional care, oral health care professionals can work toward maintaining the oral health of all of their patients.

Patients with mild to severe mental illness rely on providers in the community for their oral and dental health care. Providing appropriate care for patients who have mental illness can be complex and challenging, but these are people for whom oral health is especially important and whose risk of oral disease may be high. With understanding, knowledge, and care, working with these patients can be most rewarding.