Prevalence of periodontitis among young adults with mental disorders

Introduction/Objective. Previous investigations pointed to a notable frequency of periodontitis appearance in persons with mental disorders, but almost none of them were addressed to the periodontitis among young adults with mental disorders as a target group, which can have high public health significance. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of periodontitis among young adults suffering mental disorders and to determine probable risk factors for their overall periodontal health. Methods. The investigation included two groups of patients, each group having 81 participants-the study group (young adults with mental disorders) and the control group (mentally healthy young adults). The study instruments included a questionnaire (age, gender, psychoactive substances use, and maintaining oral hygiene) and community periodontal index for both groups, and the data concerning primary disease of mentally deceased patients (diagnostic category, mental disorder duration, number of hospitalizations, and psychotropic medications). Results. In terms of psychoactive substances use and maintaining oral hygiene, statistically significant differences were observed between groups in all independent variables. Young adults with mental disorders shown a high prevalence of periodontitis compared to the mentally healthy young adults. Also, gender, smoking habits, and the use of antipsychotics exhibited as possible risk factors contributing current periodontal health of young mentally deceased patients. Conclusion. This study indicates the need for more consideration for periodontal health among people with mental disorders and determination of potential models for its improvement.