Adults with ADHD may be at greater risk of dental problems

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at a higher risk for poor oral health compared to those without the condition, according to a report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

Furthermore, ADHD medications can cause oral health issues like dry mouth, increased tooth decay, difficulty swallowing, mouth inflammation, and gum swelling, according to the report.

"These new data illustrate some of the many disparities that exist in oral health and the need to work toward a more accessible and equitable system," Leslie Carver, chief operating officer of CareQuest Institute, said in a press release dated October 8.

To better understand the oral health conditions faced by those diagnosed with ADHD, results from the State of Oral Health Equity in America survey were used to create the report, which included 5,240 U.S. adults.

Adults with ADHD were more likely to rate their oral health as fair or poor (35.5% versus 24.9%) and feel embarrassed by their teeth or mouth (48.4% versus 29.6%) compared to those without ADHD. Also, they reported being more likely to miss dental appointments (40.4% versus 31.9%) and visit the emergency department for dental care (13% versus 2.3%).

Additionally, ADHD was linked to poorer oral health-related quality of life, higher dental anxiety (22.5% versus 11.8%), and greater experiences of discrimination in dental care (11.7% versus 7%). The combination of missed appointments, anxiety, and discrimination may lead to worsened outcomes, with ADHD contributing to the complexity of managing oral health, according to the report.

Therefore, oral health providers should recognize the unique risks ADHD patients face, discuss oral health habits and the side effects of medication, and address concerns about treatment. Additionally, they should collaborate with these patients to help them achieve better outcomes, according to CareQuest.

"While not all adults with ADHD have poor oral health, it is important for oral health professionals to be aware of the potential oral health challenges associated with ADHD and consult with their patients to help them achieve optimal oral health," Carver said.