Dental Implications of Eating Disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders are nowadays a grave and, unfortunately, growing social problem. Their etiology is multifactorial with complex psychological, biological, familial and socio-cultural mechanisms playing a role. Socio-cultural factors are becoming more and more relevant, including the impact of mass media which provides socially accepted standards of attractiveness. They set the socially valued norms of appearance and show the impact of complying or failing to comply to these norms. Eating disorders lead to numerous anomalies in the oral cavity. They affect both the teeth and soft tissues. Although dry mouth, oral mucosa injuries, diseases of periodontium, dental decay are observed in patients, still the most common findings are non-carious lesions. Dental treatment is multipronged, mainly conservative and prosthetic. However, a crucial element of problem management is the prevention of further formation of erosive lesions. For such treatment to be effective, simultaneous implementation of psychological therapy is needed. Therefore, it is necessary to provide comprehensive health care to patients suffering from eating disorders.