Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: Neurotic war veterans have numerous oro-dental problems because of several factors, including the use of psychotropic drugs, peculiar mood, lack of attention to appearance and various other reasons. The aim of this study was to compare the oro-dental health in these veterans with a group among themselves.  Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study was carried out on 110 neurotic war veterans referring to Amir-Al-Momenin Hospital in Isfahan, who were on psychotropic drugs and 110 veterans who did not take psychotropic drugs. For both groups DMFT, plaque index, CPITN and saliva pH were recorded. Data was analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney and chi-squred tests at 95% confidence interval.  Results: The mean age of the subjects in the case and control groups were 44.5 and 41 years, respectively. DMFT means in the case and control groups were 11.02 and 10.1, respectively (p value < 0.001). Means of plaque index in the case and control groups were 1.25 and 1.09, respectively (p value = 0.005). In relation to CPITN the number of sextants with scores 0 and 1 were higher in the control group and scores 2, 3, and 4 were more numerous in the study group; regarding scores 0, 1, 2, and 3 a significant difference was observed between the groups (p values of 0.16, 0.05, 0.03, 0.047, respectively). Means of saliva pH were 6.11 and 6.34 in the case and control groups, respectively (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: Neurotic war veterans are high risk patiants for oral and dental complacations. Therfore, more attention should be paid to their oro-dental health.   Key words: CPITN Index, Dental caries,  DMFT index, Plaque, Psychiatric patients, Xerostomia.