Oral Health Recovery Collaborative

In the words of Dr. Steve Kisley, there is "no mental health without oral health." Compared to the general population, people with serious mental illness are 40% more likely to have lost some teeth and are two to four times more likely to have periodontal diseases. Oral health problems are associated with chronic pain, sleep problems, work problems, worsening diet, shame, and stigma, all of which impact psychological wellbeing. Integrated whole-person care, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of mental health and oral health, are therefore essential to improving the quality of life of people with mental health diagnoses.