Examining the Research Gap in Oral Health Outcomes Among Adolescents with Mental Health Conditions in Nigeria

Adolescents with mental health conditions have elevated oral disease risk through both the effects of psychiatric medications and reduced self-care capacity, yet this population is almost entirely absent from Nigerian dental epidemiology literature. This study examined the research gap in oral health outcomes for Nigerian adolescents with mental health conditions through systematic review and original preliminary research. A scoping review of eight databases identified only 3 publications from 2018 to 2024 specifically addressing dental health in Nigerian youth with mental health diagnoses. Original cross-sectional research was conducted comparing oral health status between 60 adolescents with documented mental health diagnoses (depression, anxiety, and ADHD) attending the psychiatry outpatient unit at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Calabar and 60 matched healthy controls. Adolescents with mental health conditions showed significantly higher DMFT (mean 3.84 versus 1.97, p < 0.001), higher plaque indices, and lower dental visit frequency. Xerostomia attributable to psychotropic medications was identified in 41.7 percent of the study group. Parents of children on psychiatric medication had not received dental counselling in 88.3 percent of cases. The study identifies three critical research gaps: dental impact of specific psychotropic medications used in Nigerian adolescents, the role of mental health stigma in dental avoidance, and xerostomia management in this population. Recommendations include oral health assessment at first psychiatric appointment, joint psychiatric-dental clinics, and NDCN guidance on dental care for psychotropic medication users. Keywords: mental health, adolescent oral health, psychotropic medications, research gap, dental caries