Oral manifestations in a group of young patients with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder (ED) identified using DSM-IV criteria. Eating disorders are occurring increasingly earlier in childhood and can lead to a series of oral manifestations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between stomatognathic lesions and eating disorders in 80 young patients (76 females and 4 males aged 9-18 years) with restricting or binge-eating/purging AN. The results confirm the close correlation between ED and oral lesions, the most common of which were dental erosion, dentinal hypersensitivity, the extrusion of amalgam restorations and xerostomia. The authors conclude by emphasising the importance of involving dentists in the diagnosis and treatment of ED.

Oral Health and Bone Density in Adolescents and Young Women with Anorexia Nervosa

“…5 Historically, studies describing the effects of eating disorders on oral health have focused on the consequences of the binge-eating/purging behavior subtype. These studies have shown a high prevalence of both tooth enamel erosion 6 and dental caries 7 within this patient group. However, the same attention towards dental health has not been given to patients with restrictive type AN and its potential relation to low bone mineral density (BMD).…”

“…Both subtypes can have serious medical consequences, including effects on both bone and oral health. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Previous studies suggest that a low bone mass is common in adolescent girls and young women with AN and that it may occur early in the course of their disease, compromising peak bone mass. As a result, AN may increase the risk for osteoporosis and fracture throughout life.…”

Features Associated With Laxative Abuse in Individuals With Eating Disorders

“…Purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, and enemas, can occur both after an episode of binge-eating, after eating seemingly normal amounts of food, or as an independent behavior unrelated to food intake. Purging behaviors are associated with substantial medical and dental morbidity (1,2) and constitute a relevant clinical issue.…”

Assessment of anorexia nervosa: an overview of universal issues and contextual challenges

“…When symptoms of self-induced vomiting are present, the risk of dental complications is high even after a relatively short history of vomiting [110] and dental reviews are recommended. Common gastrointestinal disturbances include gastric pain, prolonged gastric emptying and constipation [108], all of which can perpetuate the desire to continue restricting.…”