Links Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oral Health
While children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be at a greater risk of poor oral health than children without ADHD, little is known about the oral health of adults with ADHD. That's why the nationally representative, annual CareQuest Institute State of Oral Health Equity in America survey asked adults whether they had ever been diagnosed with ADHD and other questions related to their oral health. Findings suggest that adults with ADHD — nearly 9 million individuals in the US — face more risks to their oral health than adults without ADHD. Other key findings from the visual report show that adults with ADHD:
- Rated their oral health as fair/poor compared to adults without ADHD (35.5% vs. 24.9%).
- Reported being embarrassed by their teeth or mouth compared to adults without ADHD (48.4% vs. 29.6%).
- Visited an emergency department (ED) for dental care in the prior year compared to adults without ADHD (13.0% vs. 2.3%).
Researchers also noted the importance of oral health professionals being aware of the potential oral health risks associated with ADHD and collaborating with their patients to help them achieve optimal oral health. Medications used to treat ADHD, for example, may produce side effects, which can lead to increased tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health issues.
CareQuest Institute’s annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey is the largest nationally representative survey focused exclusively on adults’ knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health.
You may also be interested in:
- Alzheimer’s Disease and the Connection to Oral Health, a webinar that helps oral health teams better understand the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and oral health.
- State of Oral Health Equity in America, a series of reports highlighting key findings and insights from previous annual surveys.
- The Heart of the Matter: Links Between Cardiovascular Health and Oral Health, a visual report that explores the relationship between heart disease and gum disease.
