Oral manifestations of eating disorders in adolescent patients. A review

Authors

  • M Monda Paediatric Dentistry Post-Graduate School, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome
  • M Costacurta Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome
  • L Maffei Paediatric Dentistry Post-Graduate School, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome
  • R Docimo Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2021.22.02.13

Keywords:

Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Eating disorders, Oral manifestations

Abstract

AIM: Eating disorders (ED) are a group of psychopathological disorders that affect the patient's relationship with food and his own body and that are manifested mainly in adolescence and in young-adult age. ED include anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and other eating disorders as classified in the DMS-V. ED can result in several oral and dental manifestations that often occur in the early stages of ED and may allow early detection. The aim of the study is to describe the different oral and dental manifestations in patients with ED in order to offer a classification for their identification during an extra/intra-oral examination. METHODS: A search on PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library data bases has been performed. CONCLUSION: The paediatric dentist may be the first professional to detect the clinical signs thus improving the interception, early diagnosis, characterisation and prognosis of ED. In addition, the oral manifestations of ED can cause alterations of the oral function, discomfort, oral pain, and worsen aesthetics of the face and the quality of life.