Oral health in people with schizophrenia: associations with behavioural and pharmacological factors

Oral health is substantially compromised in individuals with schizophrenia, reflecting a multifactorial interplay of behavioural, systemic and pharmacological factors. Both cumulative anticholinergic burden and reduced salivary flow independently contribute to poorer dental health, while periodontal disease appears to result from more complex influences not fully captured with studied variables. These findings underscore the importance of proactive clinical strategies, including regular dental assessments, targeted oral hygiene interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health and dental care providers and careful review of psychopharmacological regimens to minimize unnecessary anticholinergic exposure. Such integrated approaches are essential to preserve oral health, enhance quality of life and improve long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population.