Salivary flow rate and dental caries in psychiatric patients

Abstract

The aims of this study were to investigate the average of salivary flow rate and dental status in psychiatric patients. A cross-sectional study in psychiatric patients attended to the out-patient department of Prasrimahabhodi hospital between 1st October 2005 to 30 th November 2005. Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were analyzed. The t-test and logistic regression analysis were compared patient received antidepressant to those without. The results showed that salivary flow rate of psychiatric patients were 0.23 ± 0.15 millilitre per minute that was significantly lower than the standard value. Dental caries was found in 65.5% of these patients. Patients who received antidepressants had lower salivary flow rate and higher risk of dental caries (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.24-3.73) than those who did not received antidepressants. In conclusion, psychiatric patients who received antidepressant drugs had salivary flow rate lower than other drugs. Psychiatrist should be aware of such adverse drug of antidepressant drugs and dentists should have role in the patient care team in order to integrate care process.