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Review
. 2024 Jan 25;16(1):e52967.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.52967. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Unveiling the Unspoken: Exploring Oral Manifestations of Psychological Disorders

Priyadharshini G  1 , Karthikeyan Ramalingam  1 , Pratibha Ramani  1
Affiliations
Review

Unveiling the Unspoken: Exploring Oral Manifestations of Psychological Disorders

Priyadharshini G et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Psychological variables also interact closely with several tissues and systems leading to several diseases. The oral cavity is also linked to potential physical manifestations of psychological origin. Oral symptoms such as facial pain, oral dysaesthesia, extreme palatal erosion, or self-inflicted harm are perhaps the first or sole signs of mental health issues. It is crucial to remember that oral symptoms are frequently complex. Different people may respond differently to psychological variables and varied oral health. It is essential for dentists and medical professionals to recognize and resolve these vital problems. In this review, we have summarized the changes to oral mucosa and hard tissues and other pain disorders associated with psychological factors. Oral manifestations of a few known psychological disorders are also enumerated. This review emphasizes the role of the dentist in identifying the underlying psychological factors with oral changes. In conclusion, continuous dental care should be insisted on for patients with known mental illness to improve their quality of life. Oral health should be taken into account as part of the heightened emphasis on the overall physical well-being of those suffering from severe mental illnesses.

Keywords: collaborative treatment; depression; mental illness; neurological; oral health; oral manifestation; psychological; psychosomatic; quality of life; stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Schematic diagram shows the oral manifestation of psychosomatic disorders.
Image credit: Priyadarshini, Karthikeyan Ramalingam, authors
Figure 2
Figure 2. Oral manifestations of mental health disorders.
Image credit: Priyadarshini, Karthikeyan Ramalingam, authors
Figure 3
Figure 3. Components of medically unexplained oral symptoms (MUOS).
Image credit: Priyadarshini, Karthikeyan Ramalingam, authors
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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