In conversation – Putting the mouth back into the body: exploring the reciprocal relationships between oral and mental health

Aim: To raise awareness of the burden and management of oral health care in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and those with a history of psychological trauma.

People with SMI experience significantly poorer physical health (including oral health) than the general population. People with SMI are also at increased risk of trauma exposure, compounding their vulnerability to oral disease stemming from illness factors like amotivation and medication side-effects impacting the oral cavity. Emerging research explores links between psychological trauma and difficulties accessing and tolerating dental care which can trigger emotional reactions (such as nausea, panic, or disgust) especially when encountering reminders of past events. Poor oral health can negatively affect mental health, while mental health challenges hinder oral care, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

Population research that shows that stark oral health inequalities in this population will be discussed including qualitative findings on the dental experiences of trauma survivors. The talk will conclude by examining the “Right to Smile” consensus statement (1), which proposes five-year targets to reduce oral health inequalities in people with SMI through integrated, whole-person care by collaboration between carers, patients, commissioners and dental and mental health professionals.

1. Mishu, M.P., Aggarwal, V., Shiers, D., Peckham, E., Johnston, G., Joury, E., Chew-Graham, C.A., Goodall, K., Elliott, E., French, P., Harris, R., Laverty, L. and Palmier-Claus, J. (2024), Developing a Consensus Statement to Target Oral Health Inequalities in People With Severe Mental Illness. Health Expectations, 27: e14163. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.14163