Oral Manifestations of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a serious concern in one’s health and a clinical challenge to dental professionals. Eating disorders are a group of psychopathological disorders affecting patient’s relationship with food and his/her own body, which is manifested by distorted or bizarre eating behavior. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise specified. Eating disorders represent a vain attempt to cope with or to suppress personal conflicts and problems through preoccupation with food intake and body weight. The role of dentist, as case finder, is important because by obtaining a comprehensive medical history, measuring vital signs, performing a head and neck examination and complete intraoral examination and interacting with the patient, the dentist may be the first professional to detect clinical findings involving oral mucosa, teeth, peridontium, salivary glands and perioral tissues. It is, therefore, desirable that dental practitioners should have comprehensive knowledge of oral manifestation of eating disorders to diagnose and influence progress of the medical and psychological management by providing support and dental care.