Maxillary Tooth Sizes and Dental Anomalies in Schizophrenia Patients: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Dentistry

Background:

• Craniofacial development, including tooth size, may correlate with neurodevelopmental stages.
• Schizophrenia pathogenesis may involve developmental anomalies affecting both brain and facial structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare maxillary tooth dimensions and dental anomalies between schizophrenia patients and controls.
• To investigate potential craniofacial markers associated with schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• 200 participants (100 schizophrenia, 100 controls) aged 18-45.
• Maxillary dental arch measurements (mesiodistal and buccolingual) were taken from dental casts.
• Dental anomalies including diastema were recorded.

Main Results:

• Schizophrenia patients had significantly smaller mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions (P <0.001).
• Diastema was a significant independent predictor of schizophrenia (B=1.656, P <0.001).
• No significant differences in age or sex between groups.

Conclusions:

• Reduced tooth size and increased diastema in schizophrenia patients may indicate embryological dysmorphogenesis.
• These findings suggest potential specific markers for schizophrenia.
• Further research into craniofacial variations and schizophrenia is warranted.