Eating disorders. Part I: Psychiatric diagnosis and dental implications

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this article is to present a review of the literature on eating disorders and related oral implications in order to provide oral healthcare professionals and psychiatrists with information that will enable them to recognize and diagnose these disorders and render appropriate treatment.

Methods and materials: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted with special emphasis on the oral implications of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Results: Currently, available knowledge that correlates eating disorders with dental implications is supported by data derived from well-conducted psychiatric and psychological literature. However, little is known about the aspects of oral medicine concerned with the subject. Dental erosion, xerostomia, enlargement of the parotid gland, and other dental implications might be present in individuals with eating disorders.

Conclusions: Eating disorders are a serious concern with regard to the oral health of patients. They represent a clinical challenge to dental professionals because of their unique psychological, medical, nutritional, and dental patterns as well as their unique characteristics. However, there is a general lack of awareness of the fundamental importance of the dentist's role in the multidisciplinary treatment of affected patients.

Clinical significance: The failure of oral healthcare professionals to recognize dental characteristics of eating disorders may lead to serious systemic problems in addition to progressive and irreversible damage to the hard tissues. Considering the increasing incidence and prevalence rates of eating disorders the participation of oral healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team to provide care for affected patients rises to greater importance.