Oral manifestations of eating disorders: a critical review

The Nutrient-Skin Connection: Diagnosing Eating Disorders Through Dermatologic Signs

The interplay between nutrition and skin health provides a crucial lens for understanding, diagnosing, and managing eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED). This review explores the dermatological manifestations resulting from the nutritional deficiencies commonly associated with EDs, including conditions like hair loss, xerosis, and brittle nails. These changes in the skin and its appendages often reflect deeper systemic dysfunctions, such as deficiencies in essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C), hormonal imbalances, and electrolyte disturbances. Recognizing these dermatological signs as diagnostic tools is vital for the early identification and intervention of EDs. By integrating dermatological observations with psychiatric and nutritional care, a holistic, multidisciplinary approach can be developed to address both the physical and psychological complexities of EDs. This review highlights the critical role of these skin-related markers in promoting timely diagnosis and effective treatment. To examine the relationship between specific nutrients and dermatological manifestations in EDs, a systematic review of three electronic databases-PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate-was conducted. The findings underline the importance of early recognition of these skin symptoms for effective management. Collaborative care involving dermatologists, psychiatrists, and nutritionists is essential for diagnosing and treating EDs. Such integrated efforts ensure a comprehensive approach to these multifaceted conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall care.

Oral health status of individuals with eating disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the oral health status of individuals diagnosed with eating disorders (EDs) compared to healthy controls.

DATA & SOURCES

Electronic database search was conducted in five databases. Two independent reviewers carried out screening, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis (by type of eating disorder), and certainty of evidence grading with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Assessed oral health outcomes included dental caries, erosion, oral hygiene, periodontal status, salivary flow, pH and composition, myofascial pain, bruxism, malocclusion, oral lesions, dentine hypersensitivity, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

STUDY SELECTION

The literature search yielded 2,322 articles. Thirty-three articles were included in the present review.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with EDs had poorer oral health outcomes compared to healthy controls, although the effect estimates are uncertain due to very low certainty of evidence. Dental caries and gingival inflammation severity, and prevalence of dental erosion, myofascial pain, malocclusion, oral lesions, and dentine sensitivity were higher amongst individuals with EDs compared to healthy controls. They also had lower salivary flow and pH, which are risk factors for oral diseases. No significant difference in bruxism was noted and inconclusive results were obtained for oral hygiene and periodontal status. Dental professionals may identify signs of EDs during routine appointments and may play an important role in the early referral and prompt management of patients with EDs. Clinical Significance With growing awareness of the interconnectedness between oral and psychological health, this article reviews various oral health outcomes in individuals with eating disorders compared to controls. The findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration as dentists may be among the first to detect these issues during routine appointments.

Oral health experience of individuals with eating disorders

BACKGROUND

Evidence on how persons with and in remission from an eating disorder experience their oral health is limited. Dental treatment in Sweden today is often postponed until medical rehabilitation has been completed, but this carries risks. For the patient, the risk is severely impaired oral health and additional suffering, and for both society and the patient, higher costs than might have been necessary.

METHODS

Ten female informants aged 21-51 years (mean age = 36.7, standard deviation 12.7) in remission from an eating disorder with a median duration of 12.5 (range 4-25) years of illness, were questioned in semi-structured interviews about their perceptions of oral health. All participants had been referred to a specialist dental clinic and needed oral rehabilitation. 10% of the patients had been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and 90% with bulimia nervosa. All had been in remission from the eating disorder for at least one year. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed with thematic analysis using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

One overarching theme emerged from the analysis: dental damage persisted as a visible, lingering scar during remission of the eating disorder, reminiscent of the disease and its consequences. The three major themes identified were (1) Physical impact, (2) Psychological impact, and (3) Impact on daily living. The first major theme included erosive tooth wear and impaired oral function and aesthetics. Interviewees described the second as feelings of stigma, guilt, shame, anxiety, and worry, in particular concerning self-inflicted dental damage through self-induced vomiting. The last major theme covered avoidance strategies such as limiting smiling and laughing and minimizing social situations such as eating with others, pursuing a wanted career, and meeting a partner.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants in this study expressed a profound negative impact on daily life and a two-fold burden of stigma of having suffered from both an eating disorder and poor oral health.

Oro-dental manifestations of eating disorders: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders (EDs) pose a significant risk to health, especially when not diagnosed early. For several years EDs and oral health has been extensively studied, and now it is quite clear the existence of a correlation between specific oral manifestations and these disorders. While these oral signs could potentially aid early diagnosis of EDs, their identification and the eventual establishment of a correlation is currently heavily limited to the clinician's experience. The present systematic review critically examines existing literature, offering an updated overview of oro-dental manifestations associated with EDs.

METHOD

MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature were searched, and relevant epidemiological comparative studies were screened using the Rayyan software. No limitations have been imposed on the research regarding oro-dental outcomes, encompassing all medically diagnosed EDs. The quality of the studies was valuated using AXIS appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies.

RESULT

Out of 3990 studies, 32 fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the synthesis. The identified eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and/or Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified, predominantly among female subjects, primarily originating from Europe. The evaluated oro-dental outcomes include dental erosion, caries, saliva assessment, hygiene-periodontal parameters, and mucosal tissue appearance. The association with erosion is confirmed while gingival recession, dentinal hypersensitivity, salivary flow thresholds and aspects relating to oral pathology are receiving increasing support from emerging evidence.

DISCUSSION

This trend emphasizes the critical role of the complete intraoral examination to detect significant oro-dental signs that may indicate the onset of an ED.

Eating Disorders and Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review

Both eating disorders and dental erosion are increasingly affecting adolescents and young adults. Thus, our systematic review was designed to answer the question: "Is there a relationship between dental erosion and eating disorders?" Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 31 studies were included in this systematic review (according to the PRISMA statement guidelines). Based on the meta-analysis, 54.4% of patients with bulimia nervosa and 26.7% with anorexia nervosa experienced tooth erosion. For the whole group of 1699 patients with eating disorders, erosive lesions were observed in 42.1% of patients. Bulimics were more than 10 times more likely to experience dental erosion compared to healthy individuals (OR = 10.383 [95%CI: 4.882-22.086]). Similarly, more than 16 times increased odds of tooth erosion were found in patients with self-induced vomiting (OR = 16.176 [95%CI: 1.438-181.918]). In conclusion, eating disorders are associated with an increased risk of developing erosive lesions, especially in patients with bulimia nervosa.

Exploring oral health indicators, oral health-related quality of life and nutritional aspects in 23 medicated patients from a short-term psychiatric ward

Background

Patients suffering from psychiatric disorders face many difficulties due to their condition, medications and lifestyle. Oral health and nutrition may be affected, further complicating their lives. Our aim was to provide in-depth information on oral health and nutritional factors in a small group of patients in short-term psychiatric ward.

Methods

Twenty-three patients (mean age 36, average medications five) were recruited during short-term hospitalization in a psychiatric ward. Inclusion criteria: anxiety, psychosis and/or depression, and use of at least one antidepressant or anxiolytic/antipsychotic drug with xerostomia as a known side effect. Subjective oral dryness was evaluated using the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). Oral examination included Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS), secretion of unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS), and evaluation of dental, gingival, and periodontal status. Self-reported complaints of oral disorders were recorded. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to explore oral health-related quality of life. Nutritional status was assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA-SF), and diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean diet score (KIDMED).

Results

Compared to healthy controls, the patients had significantly higher SXI scores and CODS, and SWS secretion was lower. Complaints of dysgeusia and halitosis were significantly more frequent among patients. Gingivitis was more common in patients. OHIP-14 scores were much higher in the patients, and they reported significantly poorer oral and general health. Most patients lacked a regular meal pattern. Very low diet quality was observed in five patients, while improvements were needed in twelve. "Dry mouth" and "No appetite, just did not feel like eating" were the most common symptoms preventing patients from eating enough. The PG-SGA-SF symptoms component score showed a strong negative correlation with self-reported oral health, and a strong positive correlation with OHIP-14.

Conclusion

This relatively small group of patients in short-term psychiatric ward had both reduced oral health and poor oral health-related quality of life. Furthermore, their nutritional intake was affected by their oral health problems. Although larger groups need to be studied, these findings indicate that oral health and nutrition should be evaluated and adjusted in these patients to improve their overall care.

Eating disorders and oral health: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Screening and treatment guidance for somatic sequalae of eating disorders typically include specifics such as laboratory testing, observable physical signs, and treatment interventions. Oral health guidance is notably sparse or absent from many guidelines. Often, the only mention of oral health is the potential erosion caused by self-induced vomiting and suggests a referral to an oral health professional. The guidelines generally do not include information about education and training of oral health professionals.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to explore the literature on eating disorders and oral health including the effects of eating disordered behaviors on oral health and training of oral health professionals to increase their capacity to recognize and appropriately address clinical care needs of individuals with eating disorders.

METHODS

A comprehensive scoping review was conducted to investigate what is known about the relationship between eating disorders and oral health and training provided to oral health professionals in recognition and treatment of individuals with eating disorders. The search was completed using PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and the Journal of the American Dental Association.

RESULTS

Of 178 articles returned in the initial search, 72 full texts were read, and 44 were included based on eligibility criteria. The retained articles were categorized thematically into articles related to (1) oral health professional education and training, (2) the oral health effects of eating disorders, and (3) patient experiences of oral health care.

CONCLUSION

Most of the research on the relationship between eating disorders and oral health examines the impact of eating disordered behaviors. There is a significantly smaller literature on the knowledge and training of oral health professionals related to eating disorders and individuals with eating disorders' experiences of oral health care. Research on education and training of oral health professionals should be expanded globally, taking into consideration the suitability of interventions for diverse models of oral health education and service delivery. Further, there is an opportunity for eating disorder professionals and professional organizations to improve understanding and care of eating disorders by building relationships with oral health providers and professional organizations in their local communities.

Oral Cavity Clinical Evaluation in Psychiatric Patients with Eating Disorders: A Case-Control Study

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are not the only disorders the symptoms of which may be present in the oral cavity. The assessment of the clinical condition of patients with eating disorder symptoms was aimed at in this study. The study group consisted of 60 patients with diagnoses from categories F4.xx, F5x.x, and F6x.x ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision). Patients were qualified for the study based on the answers provided in the symptom checklists "O". An adequate control group was selected. All patients underwent a dental examination, including the assessment of API (aproximal plaque index) and DMF (decayed missing filled index). Studies have shown that patients with eating disorder symptoms were more likely to have dental erosions (in total, 28.81% of cases). The correlation of erosion with the symptoms of eating disorders was demonstrated for several assessed symptoms present in the symptom checklists "O". Such correlations have not been demonstrated in terms of gingival recession presence. The level of oral hygiene in patients with eating disorders was assessed as sufficient or bad and indicates the need to initiate dental treatment in this group. It is important to correlate the treatment of the underlying mental disease with dental treatment and regular dental checkups.

Eating disorders and the role of the dental team

Although primarily classified as psychiatric disorders, eating disorders have a complex aetiology and presentation, with comorbidities spanning multiple disciplines, including dental complications. In some cases, general dental practitioners may be the first health professional to become aware that someone is struggling with an eating disorder. The dental team is in an ideal position to sensitively explore the presentation and signpost the patient to appropriate services while offering support and/or remedial management for dental complications of the eating disorder. Anyone from any background, gender or ethnicity may develop an eating disorder, of which the main diagnoses are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Some of the frequently seen oral manifestations of these disorders include generalised dental erosion, caries, self-inflicted palatal or oropharyngeal trauma, atrophic mucosa, bilateral parotid gland enlargement, xerostomia and periodontal disease. The dentist's role is pivotal in recognising the possible implications of some of these findings, approaching the patient sensitively, and communicating empathetically to engage them in treatment, reducing the risk of further erosion and improving oral health and hygiene. The dental team may be able to signpost the patient to their general practitioner for onward referral or to a local eating disorder support network.

Brain activation in individuals suffering from bulimia nervosa and control subjects during sweet and sour taste stimuli

Introduction

Episodes of eating great quantities of extremely sweet and often aversive tasting food are a hallmark of bulimia nervosa. This unique eating pattern led researchers to seek and find differences in taste perception between patients and healthy control subjects. However, it is currently not known if these originate from central or peripheral impairment in the taste perception system. In this cross sectional study, we compare brain response to sweet and sour stimuli in 5 bulimic and 8 healthy women using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Materials and methods

Sweet, sour and neutral (colorless and odorless) taste solutions were presented to subjects while undergoing fMRI scanning. Data were analyzed using a block design paradigm.

Results

Between-group differences in brain activation in response to both sweet and sour tastes were found in 11 brain regions, including operculum, anterior cingulate cortex, midbrain, and cerebellum. These are all considered central to perception and processing of taste.

Conclusion

Our data propose that sweet and sour tastes may have reward or aversion eliciting attributes in patients suffering from bulimia nervosa not found in healthy subjects, suggesting that alteration in taste processing may be a core dysfunction in bulimia nervosa (BN).

Association between different dietary patterns and eating disorders and periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases is a highly prevalent chronic condition regulated by the host immune response to pathogenic bacterial colonization on the teeth surfaces. Nutrition is a critical component in the modulation of the immune system, hence the importance of a balanced diet. With the understanding of how dietary intake composition affects various health outcomes, nutrient diversity has been reported as a modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease. Eating disorders and different dietary patterns can be associated with periodontal diseases. In this sense, balanced and healthy nutrition plays a major role in maintaining the symbiosis between oral microbiota and periodontal health. Therefore, this review seeks to report the associations found in the literature between high- or low-fat/sodium/sugar, eating disorders and periodontal diseases. It was found that some dietary patterns such as high carbohydrate/sugar, high fat, and low fiber intake may be associated with periodontal disease. In addition, the presence of eating disorders can negatively impact patients' oral health and it is related to the development of several complications, including periodontal diseases. In both situations, nutritional and vitamin deficiencies can aggravate the periodontal condition. However, the relationship between periodontal disease, dietary patterns, and eating disorders still needs more scientific support to be well established, mainly in the sense of pointing out a protective relationship between both.

Dietitians' Experiences of Providing Oral Health Promotion to Clients with an Eating Disorder: A Qualitative Study

(1) Background: Eating disorders (EDs) can seriously impact oral health, leading to irreversible dental damage. Dietitians play a key role in the care of people with an ED and are well-placed to promote oral health. However, there is currently little understanding of how dietitians perceive their role in this space. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and role of dietitians in providing oral health promotion to their clients in an ED clinical setting. (2) Methods: This descriptive qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the perceptions of 14 registered dietitians practicing across seven states in Australia. Participants were recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. A hybrid thematic analysis approach was undertaken to identify and describe the key themes generated from the data. (3) Results: Generally, dietitians were insightful and knowledgeable of the oral health issues that clients with an ED may be experiencing. However, dietitians' practices across education, screening, and referrals were inconsistent. Challenges such as inadequate training, unknown referral pathways, and clear guidelines were cited as significant barriers to practice. (4) Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for education and the development of targeted strategies that address challenges to oral health promotion in dietetic practice.

Prevalence of dental disorders among people with mental illness: An umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

Psychiatric patients have increased rates of comorbid physical illness. There are less data on dental disease, especially decay, despite risk factors including lifestyle and psychotropic side effects such as xerostomia. We therefore undertook an umbrella review of all meta-analyses on the association between mental illness and oral health.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and CINAHL. Articles were independently assessed. Outcomes were caries, periodontal disease, erosion, and partial or total tooth loss (edentulism), measured where possible with standardised measures such as the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth or surfaces. Quality was assessed in line with National Institutes of Health guidelines.

RESULTS

We identified 11 meta-analyses. The most information and strongest association was between dental decay and severe mental illness or substance use, as well as erosion and eating disorders. Depressive, anxiety and eating disorders were also associated with caries, but the datasets were small. People with severe mental illness had nearly three times the odds of having lost all their teeth than the general community (odds ratio = 2.81, 95% confidence interval = [1.73, 4.57]) and those with depression between 1.17 and 1.32. Findings for periodontal disease were more equivocal, possibly because of study heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Mental health clinicians should screen for oral diseases when treating those with mental illness and facilitate referral to affordable dental clinics when indicated. Prevention should be a priority, including the promotion of dental care, as well as the management of xerostomia when psychopharmacologic agents are prescribed.

Risk of Dental Caries and Erosive Tooth Wear in 117 Children and Adolescents' Anorexia Nervosa Population-A Case-Control Study

Introduction

Restrictive type of anorexia nervosa (AN) is still one of the most severe eating disorders worldwide with an uncertain prognosis. Patients affected by AN should be encouraged to undertake psychiatric care and psychotherapy, but whether they should necessarily be included in careful dental care or not may still be questionable. Even though there is a constantly increasing number of AN studies, there are just a few data about the youngest group of AN children and adolescents aged < 18.

Methodology

This case-control study aimed to compare the dental health and gingival inflammation level in female adolescent inpatients affected by severe AN restrictive subtype vs. controls. Based on clinically confirmed 117 AN cases (hospitalized in years 2016-2020 in public Psychiatric Unit, BMI < 15 kg/m2, mean age 14.9 ± 1.8), the dental status has been examined regarding the occurrence of caries lesions using Decay Missing Filling Teeth (DMFT), erosive wear as Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE), gingival condition as Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and plaque deposition as Plaque Control Record (PCR). The results were compared with age-matched 103 female dental patients (BMI 19.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2, age 15.0 ± 1.8, p = 0.746) treated in a public University dental clinic.

Results

AN patients were found to present a higher incidence of oral-related complications according to dental status (DMFT 3.8 ± 4.5 vs. 1.9 ± 2.1, p = 0.005), erosive tooth wear (BEWE 18.9 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001), less efficient in controlling plaque (PCR 43.8 vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001) and gingival inflammation (BOP 20.0 vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001) compared with female adolescents. In the AN group, a significant correlation between BOP, BEWE, and duration of AN disease (p < 0.05), similarly to the number of decayed teeth D, filled teeth F and PCR were detected (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although the obtained results did not reveal any severe oral status, our findings indicated impaired dental and gingival conditions in young anorexics. Considering AN's potential role in oral health, it is essential to monitor dental treatment needs and oral hygiene levels in their present status to prevent forward complications in the future.

Factors influencing the cariogenic potential of oral nutritional supplements indicated for use in adults with or at risk of malnutrition

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition can be a significant problem among older adults and the medically compromised individuals, contributing to morbidity and mortality. Causes of malnutrition are complex and varied. Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are often prescribed to individuals with or at risk of malnutrition. Although beneficial, concerns have been raised about their cariogenic potential. The purpose of this study is to report on the currently available ONS in Australia, focusing on factors that impact their cariogenicity.

METHODS

A list of ONS was compiled based on their availability in Australia and indication for use in adults with or at risk of malnutrition. Data concerning composition, clinical indications and the recommended daily consumption was ascertained from product labels, company websites and customer services. Measurements of pH and viscosity were obtained for all ONS.

RESULTS

A total of 33 ONS were identified, which were noted to vary in their cariogenic potential.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of the possible caries risk associated with the use of ONS is important. Awareness facilitates the making of informed decisions when ONS are chosen. When the need arises to use ONS in individuals where the associated caries risk is considered significant, caries preventive protocols should be implemented by the prescriber.

Ontario dentists' ease to discuss sensitive health issues with their patients: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

With consistent calls for a more integrated approach to improve the healthcare system's effectiveness, the scope of practice for dentists has expanded; dentists are now seen to positively intervene to address several sensitive health issues among their patients. However, it is not clear how comfortable dentists feel in doing so. This study endeavored to assess self-perceived ease of dentists to discuss various sensitive health issues and if their socio-demographics influence their ease.

METHODS

A self-administered online survey was sent to Ontario dentists (n = 9975) to assess their self-perceived ease in discussing five sensitive health issues with their patients: eating disorders, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual behaviors, and physical abuse. Ordinal logistic regressions were performed along with descriptive analyses.

RESULTS

The response rate was 9.3%. Over 50% of participants indicated difficulty discussing STIs, sexual behaviors and physical abuse. Younger dentists, female practitioners, dentists practicing in private settings, and those practicing in rural areas perceived more difficulty to discuss all five health issues. Place of training was also a significant predictor: internationally trained dentists perceived it easier to discuss eating disorders, substance abuse, and physical abuse while Canadian trained were more at ease to discuss STIs and sexual behaviors.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory study identified that a large proportion of dentists are not comfortable discussing sensitive health issue with their patients. There are numerous opportunities for intervention in Canadian dental curriculums, continuing education programs, and communication practices to support dentists' discussions with patients about these important health concerns.

Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Practical Review and Update for Pediatric Gynecologists

Eating disorders (EDs) are common among female adolescents and young adults and can have serious and diverse health consequences. Pediatric gynecology providers have the opportunity to play a vital role in the recognition of EDs in this population. Early medical detection and referral for appropriate evidence-based treatment can lead to better health outcomes for youth. In this article we aim to increase the awareness of the pediatric gynecologist of typical and subtle presentations of EDs, provide guidance for screening, discuss common and serious medical complications, and review treatment considerations for gynecologic issues in patients with EDs.

Acidic food choice among adolescents with bulimic symptomatology: a major risk factor for erosive tooth wear?

PURPOSE

Evaluate dietary habits and the presence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) among female adolescents with varying severity of bulimic symptomatology.

METHODS

An explanatory study was conducted with 72 female school adolescents with bulimic symptomatology, aged 15-18 years in Southeastern Brazil. Dietary habits were evaluated through a food frequency questionnaire. Bulimic symptomatology was evaluated and classified (mild, moderate and severe) according to the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh. ETW examinations were performed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney tests and Poisson regression. Ethical approval and informed consents were obtained.

RESULTS

The final population consisted of 62 participants. The prevalence of ETW differed among adolescents with mild, moderate and severe bulimic symptomatology (p = 0.001), corresponding to 5.9%, 8.0% and 45.0%, respectively. Adolescents with severe bulimic symptomatology presented higher daily consumption of acidic food: citric fruits (p < 0.005), diet soda (p < 0.009) and ketchup (p = 0.004). No difference related to vomiting practices was observed between groups (p = 0.060). The adjusted regression model showed that a higher prevalence of ETW was associated with self-induced vomit at least once a week (PR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.00-5.86, p = 0.05) and higher frequencies of consumption of citric fruits (PR = 7.96, 95% CI = 1.50-42.11, p = 0.015) and diet soda (PR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.09-4.91, p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

It was the food choices (acidic food) and not purging practices that differed among adolescents with varying severity of bulimic symptomology. Likewise, higher consumption of citric fruits was the main factor associated with higher prevalence of ETW.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III case-control analytic study.

Eating disorders and the orthodontist: Diagnosis, considerations and referral

BACKGROUND

Eating disorders are relatively common mental health disorders in Western European and North American populations. The peak incidence occurs within the adolescent years, which correlates with the largest orthodontic patient population. The morbidity associated with these psychological conditions is significant, and has a direct impact upon patient well-being, orthodontic outcomes and the success of treatment. Therefore, it is of relevance to the orthodontist to be aware of potential presenting features of these conditions, when and where to seek advice, and how such disorders may impact upon orthodontic outcomes.

METHODS

Articles published on PUBMED and MEDLINE relevant to orthodontics and eating disorders were reviewed. Key information was extracted, and the relevant evidence for the orthodontist summarised.

RESULTS

Eating disorders may present to the orthodontist in specialist or hospital practice, either undiagnosed or as a co-morbidity. Orthodontists may benefit from an appreciation of these potential diagnoses, the orthodontic implications and to have the confidence to refer their patients to the necessary services.

LIMITATIONS

There is little existing research in this area.

CONCLUSIONS

These conditions have a significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality. This cohort of patients is not suitable for orthodontic treatment while their disease is active. The impact of a developing eating disorder can adversely affect orthodontic treatment.

Oral yeast colonization in patients with eating disorders: commensal acquisition or due to purgative habits?

Oral problems are common in patients diagnosed with Eating Disorders (ED) and still require better elucidation. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of oral Candida spp in individuals with ED. The sample of the study was comprised of 30 women with purgative habits and 15 without purgative habits. Samples of the oral cavity were collected by sterile cotton swab rubbed on soft tissues and teeth. Yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Yeasts were isolated from the oral cavity of 53% of the patients yielding 75 yeast isolates; of these, 43 were identified by conventional mycological methods: C. parapsilosis (n=19), C. glabrata (n=16), Rhodotorula sp (n= 6), C. famata (n=2). The remaining 32 isolates were presumptively identified as C. albicans or C. dubliniensis and required mass spectrometry for the final differentiation: 28 isolates were confirmed as C. albicans and four as C. dubliniensis. Among the control group, only four subjects (26.7%) were found to harbor C. albicans. The four C. dubliniensis isolates were from two patients, one that was only colonized and the other, with severe ED, was diagnosed with an oral candidiasis as demonstrated by the presence of pseudohyphae on the direct mycological exam from different sites. The increased rate of isolation of non-albicans species, such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis in the oral cavity from ED patients with nutritional deficiency may suggest that purgative habits of these patients can lead to changes in normal flora and predispose to oral candidiasis.

Anorexia Nervosa with Vomiting Episodes: Dermatological and Oral Complications

The aim of the study was to highlight the aspect of oral and cutaneous changes in anorexia nervosa (AN) as a purging type. On the basis of three clinical cases, a description has been made of the beginning and the possible course of the disease, teeth, oral mucosa, and skin changes resulting from the illness. The research method was based on the analysis of the available literature on AN supplemented by clinical experience of presented cases. On the basis of the interdisciplinary analysis, it was concluded that the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of AN are possible only with the collaboration of many specialists—psychiatrist or pediatric psychiatrist, general practitioner, dermatologist, dentist, and if necessary other medical specialists. In this context, psychotherapy is an integral aspect of treatment. Therefore, early intervention is essential to obtain good results of treatment.

Diet and behavioral habits related to oral health in eating disorder patients: a matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from eating disorders (ED) have a substantially increased risk for developing poor oral health. In this regard, dietary habits in combination with obsessive behavior as well as the expression and intensity of the disease are of utmost importance. This study aimed to investigate diet and behavioral habits in patients with ED compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

All patients who initiated treatment in an ED clinic during 1 year were invited to participate in the study. Sixty-five patients were admitted out of which 54 agreed to participate: 50 women and 4 men, mean age 21.5 years, range 10-50 years. From a public dental health clinic, 54 sex-and age-matched controls where selected. In all participants a comprehensive questionnaire was completed. ED patients were analyzed with respect to their self-perceived disease state: when they felt "relatively good" (ED-good) and "bad" (ED-bad) as well as if they reported vomiting or not.

RESULTS

The ED-good patients reported significantly higher intake of caffeine-containing and cola light soft drinks and both study groups reported a lower intake of regularly sweetened carbonated drinks compared to controls. ED-bad reported significantly lower intake of number of meal and sweet intake while both study groups brushed their teeth more frequently than controls. As regards awareness of detrimental dietary intake and the possible risk for oral health complications did not differ between patients and controls except that the ED groups were more aware that vomiting and brushing thereafter could damage their teeth. ED patients went less often to the dentist for regular checkups than controls. Vomiting ED patients differed in several of the parameters related to dietary and other behaviors compared to no vomiting subjects. According to regression analyses and compared to healthy controls, predictive variables for ED-good were: higher intake of caffeine containing drinks (OR 1.34, CI 1.10-1.64) and lower intake of regular soft drinks (OR 0.57, CI 0.35-0.94). For ED-bad, lower frequency intake of lunch meals (OR 0.59, CI 0.39-0.88) and sweet biscuits were predictive (OR 0.15, CI 0.05-0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

ED patients present a number of dietary and other types of behavior that are potentially harmful for oral health. It is important to retrieve reports on the ED behaviors in both relatively good and bad disease state in order for the medical team to prescribe adequate advice and treatment.

Oral profile of eating disorders patients: Case series

Oral alterations in patients diagnosed with eating disorders (ED) are reported in the literature, but few articles demonstrate these changes in a specific population. This study aims to summarize the findings of 26 patients with ED in a Brazilian dental clinic, through analyzing the body mass index and oral conditions (decayed, missing and filled teeth-DMFT, dental wear, salivary flux, xerostomia, oral hygiene-OHI-S, oral lesions, and the prevalence of candidiasis), in order to facilitate recognition and enable accurate diagnosis for the general dentist. Probably, the premature diagnosis of ED resulted in lower DMFT and oral lesions.

Dental and periodontal health in adults with eating disorders: A case-control study

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates dental and periodontal health in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa patients.

METHODS

Seventy females with eating disorders (36 anorexia nervosa) attending a public hospital Psychiatry and Addiction unit were compared with age-matched controls (n = 70). Full-mouth examination and oral hygiene behaviours were recorded for all participants.

RESULTS

More frequent dental attendance and toothbrushing were observed in patients with eating disorders than in controls (p < 0.01), while lower plaque index and bleeding on probing were observed in controls than in patients (p ≤ 0.03). Percentages of sites with gingival recession >2 mm were higher in patients with eating disorders than in controls (2.3 ± 4.1 versus 0.0 ± 0.1, p < 0.01). The BEWE score >2 was significantly more frequent in bulimia nervosa patients than in anorexia nervosa patients (76.5% versus 41.7%, p < 0.01). Regarding periodontal parameters, mean plaque index, bleeding on probing and clinical attachment loss were increased in anorexia nervosa patients compared to bulimia nervosa patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data suggest different oral health approaches in eating disorder patients according to diagnosis type.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Periodontal and dental health should be considered rigorously in patients with eating disorders. Personalized oral hygiene recommendations and treatments can be delivered according to the type of eating disorder.

Periodontal, metabolic, and cardiovascular disease: Exploring the role of inflammation and mental health

Previous evidence connects periodontal disease, a modifiable condition affecting a majority of Americans, with metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the likely mediation of these associations by immune activation and their potential interactions with mental illness. Future longitudinal, and ideally interventional studies, should focus on reciprocal interactions and cascading effects, as well as points for effective preventative and therapeutic interventions across diagnostic domains to reduce morbidity, mortality and improve quality of life.

Oral mucosal lesions in Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and EDNOS

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to describe oral lesions in patients with eating disorders (ED), including Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective case-control study was carried out from April 2003 to May 2004. Inclusion criteria for the study group were individuals with a diagnosis of ED; age and sex-matched individuals without ED were included as controls. Clinical data regarding ED, medical complications and oral examination were performed by previously calibrated professionals.

RESULTS

Study group (n = 65) presented 46 cases of BN (71%), 13 of EDNOS (20%) and 6 of AN (9%); also, 94% (n = 61) showed oral lesions. The most common were: labial erythema, exfoliative cheilitis, orange-yellow palate, hemorrhagic lesions, lip-cheek biting and non-specific oral atrophies. Only two patients of the study group had dental erosions, and no case of major salivary gland swelling was found.

CONCLUSIONS

ED display a wide array of oral mucosal lesions that can be regarded as their early manifestations. The dentist could be the first professional to detect symptoms of eating disorders, potentially improving early detection and treatment of ED.

Orofacial manifestations in outpatients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa focusing on the vomiting behavior

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study aims to evaluate the oral health status and orofacial problems in a group of outpatients with eating disorders (ED)-either anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN)-further focusing on the influence of vomit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-five women outpatients with AN or BN diagnosis were invited to participate, of which 33 agreed. ED outpatients and matched controls were submitted to a questionnaire and clinical oral examination.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis identified a significantly higher incidence of teeth-related complications (i.e., tooth decay, dental erosion, and self-reported dentin hypersensitivity), periodontal disease, salivary alterations (i.e., hyposalivation and xerostomia), and oral mucosa-related complications in ED outpatients. Dental erosion, self-reported dentin hypersensitivity, hyposalivation, xerostomia, and angular cheilitis were found to be highly correlated with the vomiting behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

ED outpatients were found to present a higher incidence of oral-related complications and an inferior oral health status, compared to gender- and age-matched controls. Alterations verified within outpatients were acknowledged to be quite similar to those previously reported within inpatients, in both of nature and severity, thus sustaining that the cranio-maxillofacial region is significantly affected by ED, even in the early/milder forms of the condition, as expectedly verified within outpatients.

Forgotten fungi-the gut mycobiome in human health and disease

The human body is home to a complex and diverse microbial ecosystem that plays a central role in host health. This includes a diversity of fungal species that is collectively referred to as our 'mycobiome'. Although research into the mycobiome is still in its infancy, its potential role in human disease is increasingly recognised. Here we review the existing literature available on the human mycobiota with an emphasis on the gut mycobiome, including how fungi interact with the human host and other microbes. In doing so, we provide a comprehensive critique of the methodologies available to research the human mycobiota as well as highlighting the latest research findings from mycological surveys of different groups of interest including infants, obese and inflammatory bowel disease cohorts. This in turn provides new insights and directions for future studies in this burgeoning research area.

Educating Dental Students About Eating Disorders: Perceptions and Practice of Interprofessional Care

Providing care for patients with eating disorders (EDs) requires an interprofessional care (IPC) approach. The aims of this study were to assess dental students' ED- and IPC-related educational experiences, perceptions of preparedness for ED-related communication with patients and providers, and attitudes related to an IPC approach to ED. Relationships among perceptions of education, preparedness, attitudes, and characteristics (e.g., year in program and family members in other health care fields) were also explored. Of the 440 University of Michigan students invited to participate, 339 completed the survey (77% response rate). A total of 257 students from another 21 dental schools completed the web-based survey, but their response rates could not be computed because it is unknown how many academic deans at the other 65 schools forwarded the recruitment email to their students. In the combined results, the students did not evaluate their ED- and IPC-related clinical education positively (mean=1.33 on scale from 1=least to 3=most education), with first-year students (D1) reporting the least and fourth-year students (D4) the most educational experiences (D1: 1.08, D2: 1.16, D3: 1.42, D4: 1.59; p<0.001). While the students did not perceive themselves well prepared to talk with patients about mental health/ED, they reported feeling better prepared for IPC-related communication: on scale from 1=least to 5=most prepared, mean (patient)=2.94 vs. mean (IPC/provider)=3.61; p<0.001. All the students had mean positive attitudes towards dental professionals' ED-related responsibilities and related IPC considerations. The more education these students reported, the more prepared they perceived being and the more positive their attitudes. The more family members in health professions the students had, the better prepared they reported feeling to communicate with patients and providers from other disciplines about EDs. However, the finding that even the fourth-year students did not evaluate their ED- and IPC-related clinical education positively deserves attention. Educating students about EDs with an IPC approach could ensure better professional preparedness in this context.

The impact of bulimia nervosa on oral health: A review of the literature

Eating disorders are a potentially life-threatening group of mental disorders, which affect a patient's relationship with food and their body. This manifests itself through chaotic and disordered eating habits. One such eating disorder is bulimia nervosa, which has a lifetime prevalence of 1%. While there is consensus that bulimic behaviour directly causes dental erosion due to vomiting and acidic food choices, there is less clear evidence for a direct link between bulimia nervosa and dental caries, although there does still appear to be an association. Reduced salivary flow rate is a common feature among bulimics, but this is often due to anti-depressant medication rather than dietary habits or vomiting, and the effects are largely limited to unstimulated whole salivary flow rate and don't affect stimulated whole salivary flow rate. Parotid enlargement is present in a number of cases but this tends to be a minority. Further research is required given the limitations of current studies, especially gender imbalances among the populations studied and a lack of clear focus on bulimia nervosa.

Bulimia Nervosa/Purging Disorder

Bulimia nervosa was first described in 1979 by British psychiatrist Gerald Russell as a "chronic phase of anorexia nervosa" in which patients overeat and then use compensatory mechanisms, such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or prolonged periods of starvation. The characterization of bulimia nervosa continues to evolve with the introduction of the DSM-5 in 2013. In this article, the epidemiology and risk factors of bulimia nervosa are identified and reviewed, along with the medical complications and psychiatric comorbidities. The evaluation of a patient with suspected bulimia nervosa is addressed, with an emphasis on acquiring a complete and thorough history as well as discovering any comorbidities that are present. Management of the patient involves both medical interventions and behavioral counseling in order to address physical, psychological, and social needs. Lastly, a new diagnosis introduced in the DSM-5, purging disorder, is described and discussed.

Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Eating Disorders

Individuals with eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, may present with a range of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. The oral cavity, salivary glands, GI tract, pancreas, and liver can be impacted by nutritional restrictive and binge/purging behaviors. Complications are often reversible with appropriate nutritional therapy. At times, however, the complications in these disorders may be severe, irreversible and even life threatening. Given the often covert nature of eating disorders, the practitioner must be attentive to subtle clues that may indicate their presence. Extensive diagnostic evaluations of the GI manifestations of eating disorders should be used only when nutritional rehabilitation does not remedy the problems.

Bilateral necrotising sialometaplasia

Necrotising sialometaplasia is a benign, necrotising, self-healing inflammatory condition categorised as idiopathic disease of salivary glands. This condition holds diagnostic importance because of its clinical and histopathological presentation, which is ambiguous, and can be misdiagnosed as carcinoma particularly squamous cell carcinoma or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. This report describes a case of bilateral necrotising sialometaplasia occurring in a 38-year-old male patient.

Bilateral necrotising sialometaplasia

Necrotising sialometaplasia is a benign, necrotising, self-healing inflammatory condition categorised as idiopathic disease of salivary glands. This condition holds diagnostic importance because of its clinical and histopathological presentation, which is ambiguous, and can be misdiagnosed as carcinoma particularly squamous cell carcinoma or mucoepidermoid carcinoma. This report describes a case of bilateral necrotising sialometaplasia occurring in a 38-year-old male patient.

No Mental Health without Oral Health

The poor physical health faced by people with mental illness has been the subject of growing attention, but there has been less focus on the issue of oral health even though it is an important part of physical health. This article discusses the two-way association between oral and mental health. In one direction, the prospect of dental treatment can lead to anxiety and phobia. In the other, many psychiatric disorders, such as severe mental illness, affective disorders, and eating disorders, are associated with dental disease: These include erosion, caries, and periodontitis. Left untreated, dental diseases can lead to teeth loss such that people with severe mental illness have 2.7 times the likelihood of losing all their teeth, compared with the general population. Possible interventions include oral health assessments using standard checklists that can be completed by nondental personnel, help with oral hygiene, management of iatrogenic dry mouth, and early dental referral.

Systematic review of oral ulceration with bone sequestration

BACKGROUND

This article represents the first systematic review entirely dedicated toward a disease called oral ulceration with bone sequestration (OUBS). We performed this review in order to further define and outline this disease. A secondary interest was to recognize the prevalence and importance of OUBS in relation to other oral disorders accompanied by ulceration and bone exposure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42015024294) and performed in cooperation with Harvard's Countway Library. Searches were built using MeSH terms and proximity operators previously mentioned in OUBS descriptions. Database searches were performed through EMBASE, Medline, and PubMed, followed by a handsearch of bibliographies for relevant articles. Articles were assessed against eligibility and inclusion criteria centering on bone exposure without known etiologic cause. We sought to gather information on patient age, sex, anatomical location, clinical presentation, and comorbidities. PRISMA guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

The searches identified 766 records total. Despite considerable inspection, we found only 8 articles qualifying for our review. In the 8 articles, there were a total of 24 patients fulfilling the criteria of OUBS. Although some abstracts mentioned idiopathic nature, most authors presented clinical cases with probable causes to ulceration and sequestration. The mean age of these patients was 43.21 ± 11.94 years. The male to female ratio was 3:1. The predominant area of occurrence was the mandible (n = 23, 95.8%).

CONCLUSION

The representation of OUBS in the literature remains scarce. More data must be generated and gathered on the concept of OUBS so as to determine the true incidence and importance of this disease. Despite rare occurrences of conditions characterizing OUBS, the recent discussion of this topic in the scientific community calls for more knowledge to be brought forth, with great benefit to patients suffering from ulcerative diseases and osteonecrosis.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric condition characterized by severe weight loss and secondary problems associated with malnutrition. AN predominantly develops in adolescence in the peripubertal period. Without early effective treatment, the course is protracted with physical, psychological and social morbidity and high mortality. Despite these effects, patients are noted to value the beliefs and behaviours that contribute to their illness rather than regarding them as problematic, which interferes with screening, prevention and early intervention. Involving the family to support interventions early in the course of the illness can produce sustained changes; however, those with a severe and/or protracted illness might require inpatient nursing support and/or outpatient psychotherapy. Prevention programmes aim to moderate the overvaluation of 'thinness' and body dissatisfaction as one of the proximal risk factors. The low prevalence of AN limits the ability to identify risk factors and to study the timing and sex distribution of the condition. However, genetic profiles, premorbid features, and brain structures and functions of patients with AN show similarities with other psychiatric disorders and contrast with obesity and metabolic disorders. Such studies are informing approaches to address the neuroadaptation to starvation and the other various physical and psychosocial deficits associated with AN. This Primer describes the epidemiology, diagnosis, screening and prevention, aetiology, treatment and quality of life of patients with AN.

Eating disorders - knowledge, attitudes, management and clinical experience of Norwegian dentists

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes and clinical experience with regard to patients with eating disorders (ED) among Norwegian dentists.

Methods

In 2010, a questionnaire was sent to all dentists in Norway (N = 4282) comprising 33 questions related to demographics of the participating dentists, their knowledge of ED (general and oral health aspects), clinical experience, attitudes and perceived management preferences.

Results

The participation rate was 40 % (47 % women and 53 % men). Their knowledge about ED was often retrieved from common media sources and the greater part of the participants reported they had seen very few patients with ED during their professional career. Female dentists reported superior knowledge about ED compared to males, but the former experienced greater difficulties to inform about the condition. Referrals of the patient to other health facilities were significantly more common among female compared to male dentists. The majority of dentists (76 %) reported a need of more education related to ED management.

Conclusions

The Norwegian dentists in this study reported limited clinical experience and insufficient knowledge regarding ED. There is therefore a need to increase both undergraduate and continuing education in this field, which can improve preventive and management measures that a dentist can provide for ED patients.

Eating disorder professionals' perceptions of oral health knowledge

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the oral health knowledge among professionals who specialize in treating eating disorders, and identify to what extent their education, and training addresses oral health care delivery, and recommendations for individuals with eating disorders.

METHOD

Participants for this study were licensed behavioural and medical providers specializing in eating disorder treatment (n = 107), and recruited through professional eating disorder organizations. Participants completed an anonymous, online questionnaire (33 items) assessing level of oral health-related education, knowledge and treatment recommendations within the participant's respective eating disorder discipline.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents (85%) were formally trained in eating disorders, and of those trained, 64.4% were not satisfied with the level of oral health education during formal education, and 19.5% report no oral health education. Respondents consider their knowledge of risk of oral disease for their clients/patients as average or above (84%), and ranked tooth erosion as the greatest reason for oral care (63%) while dry mouth led in the rankings for least significant reason for oral care (33%). Referral for oral care was found to be more common after reports of complication (55%).

DISCUSSION

According to these findings, eating disorder professionals regard oral health care for their clients as significant, and may be unaware of associated oral risk factors, current oral care standards and long-term oral effects of disordered eating apart from enamel erosion.

Association between poor oral health and eating disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a well-established link between oral pathology and eating disorders in the presence of self-induced vomiting. There is less information concerning this relationship in the absence of self-induced vomiting, in spite of risk factors such as psychotropic-induced dry mouth, nutritional deficiency or acidic diet.

AIMS

To determine the association between eating disorder and poor oral health, including any difference between patients with and without self-induced vomiting.

METHOD

A systematic search was made of Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE and article bibliographies. Outcomes were dental erosion, salivary gland function and the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth or surfaces (DMFT/S).

RESULTS

Ten studies had sufficient data for a random effects meta-analysis (psychiatric patients n = 556, controls n = 556). Patients with an eating disorder had five times the odds of dental erosion compared with controls (95% CI 3.31-7.58); odds were highest in those with self-induced vomiting (odds ratio (OR) = 7.32). Patients also had significantly higher DMFS scores (mean difference 3.07, 95% CI 0.66-5.48) and reduced salivary flow (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.44-3.51).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of collaboration between dental and medical practitioners. Dentists may be the first clinicians to suspect an eating disorder given patients' reluctance to present for psychiatric treatment, whereas mental health clinicians should be aware of the oral consequences of inappropriate diet, psychotropic medication and self-induced vomiting.

Eating disorders and biochemical composition of saliva: a retrospective matched case-control study

This study aimed to compare the biochemical composition of saliva from patients with eating disorders (EDs) with saliva from control subjects with no ED. All patients who initiated outpatient treatment in an ED clinic during a 12‐month period were invited to participate. Of the 65 patients who started treatment during the period, 54 (50 female patients/four male patients; mean age: 21.5 yr) agreed to participate. The controls were 54 sex‐ and age‐matched patients from a dental health clinic. All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent dental clinical examinations, including laboratory analyses of saliva. The proportion of subjects with unstimulated salivary hyposalivation was lower in the ED group and not correlated with intake of xerogenic drugs. Significant differences in the biochemical composition of saliva were found almost exclusively in the unstimulated state, with albumin, inorganic phosphate, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), chloride, magnesium, and total protein all being significantly higher in the ED group. Conditional logistic regression showed that higher ASAT and total protein concentrations were relatively good predictors of ED, with sensitivity and specificity of 65% and 67%, respectively. In conclusion, elevated salivary concentrations of ASAT and total protein may serve as indicators of ED as well as of disease severity. Future studies are needed to corroborate these initial findings.

Caries in adolescents in relation to their skeletal status

OBJECTIVE

Despite well-known evidence of association of caries with bone metabolic diseases, there are only a small number of studies about caries and bone mineral density (BMD) on pediatric population. We evaluated the possibility of bone mineralization and metabolism disturbances in children with caries and compared them with healthy individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 123 patients with caries (63 boys and 60 girls), aged 12-15 years, were included. The children were divided according caries stage: the decayed, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) group (n=73) and the initial caries (IC) group (n=50), which have clinically active initial caries lesions on the enamel ("white spots"). Caries-free (CF) children (n=42) were the healthy controls. Bone mineralization was measured in all children with caries and healthy controls by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine (L1-L4). For the assessment of bone metabolism, osteocalcin, carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), parathyroid hormone, Ca²⁺, inorganic phosphate, and total alkaline phosphatase were used.

RESULTS

Children with DMFT have low BMD and BMD Z score in association with low osteocalcin and high CTX levels, compared with IC (p=0.008 and p=0.0001, respectively) and CF children (p<0.0000 and p=0.0001, respectively). In DMFT, Ca²⁺ was significantly higher compared with IC (p=0.01) and CF (p=0.003). Caries stages negatively correlated with BMD (r=-0.86, p<0.001). A differently directed correlation between CTX and osteocalcin was detected: CTX was negatively related to osteocalcin in the DMFT group (r=-0.22, p=0.043) and positively related in the IC (r=0.42, p=0.002) and CF children (r=0.58, p=0.0000).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with any caries stage have decreased BMD accompanied with increased bone resorption. We consider that caries could be a marker of impact bone mineralization and metabolism.

Prevalence, severity and etiology of dental wear in patients with eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, distribution and associated factors of dental wear among patients with eating disorders (EDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was conducted by trained, calibrated examiners, using the dental wear index. The sample was composed of 30 patients with EDs (experimental group - G1) and 30 control patients without current or previous history of EDs (G2). A questionnaire was used to assess the etiological factors of dental wear. The univariate analyses using the Chi-square (χ(2)) test were used to compare the tooth wear prevalence between groups according to the surface and tooth (P > 0.05).

RESULTS

The dental wear was similar for both group; however, the G1 presented more moderate wear in molars when compared with G2 (P = 0.048). The majority of EDs patients related have one or more oral habits (n = 26; 86.6%) and only 13.4% (n = 4) affirmed did not have oral habits. The etiological factors of tooth wear related with dental wear were biting objects (P = 0.04) and pain in temporomandibular disorders (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The highest prevalence of dental wear was observed in the molars teeth. Differences in the extent and pattern of dental wear were found in an individual, emphasized the relevance of clinical parameter.

Körperbildstörungen bei körperdysmorpher Störung und Essstörungen

Hintergrund: Sowohl die körperdysmorphe Störung (KDS) als auch Essstörungen (ESS) sind durch eine Störung des Körperbildes gekennzeichnet, jedoch ist wenig über Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede hinsichtlich spezifischer Körperbildmerkmale bekannt. Fragestellung: Nach der vergleichenden Befunddarstellung zu perzeptiven, kognitiv-affektiven und behavioralen Körperbildmerkmalen hat die Arbeit das Ziel, kognitiv-affektive Körperbildcharakteristika im direkten Vergleich von KDS mit ESS zu untersuchen. Methode: Personen mit einer KDS (n = 31), Anorexia nervosa (n = 32), Bulimia nervosa (n = 34) und eine gesunde (n = 33) Kontrollgruppe wurden untersucht (Fragebögen, Interviews). Ergebnisse: KDS und ESS zeigten starke Körperunzufriedenheit und körper- und gewichtsbezogene Schamgefühle. Nicht nur bei der KDS, sondern auch bei den ESS zeigte sich eine Vielzahl subjektiver Makel im äußeren Erscheinungsbild. Die KDS-Gruppe sorgte sich jedoch seltener als ESS um Körpergewicht, Brust und Gesäß. Die ESS-Gruppen berichteten erwartungsgemäß stärkere Figur-/Gewichtssorgen und körper-/gewichtsbezogene Schuldgefühle. Diskussion: Körperunzufriedenheit charakterisiert sowohl KDS als auch ESS. Von den kognitiv-affektiven Körperbildmerkmalen differenzieren nur die Ausprägung von Figur-/Gewichtssorgen und körper-/gewichtsbezogene Schuldgefühle die beiden Gruppen. Vergleichsstudien zu perzeptiven und behavioralen Körperbildaspekten stehen aus.

Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: oral health and nutrition

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that nutrition is an integral component of oral health. The Academy supports integration of oral health with nutrition services, education, and research. Collaboration between dietetics practitioners and oral health care professionals is recommended for oral health promotion and disease prevention and intervention. Scientific and epidemiological data suggest a lifelong synergy between diet, nutrition, and integrity of the oral cavity in health and disease. Oral health and nutrition have a multifaceted relationship. Oral infectious diseases, as well as acute, chronic, and systemic diseases with oral manifestations, impact an individual's functional ability to eat and their nutrition status. Likewise, nutrition and diet can affect the development and integrity of the oral cavity and progression of oral diseases. As knowledge of the link between oral and nutrition health increases, dietetics practitioners and oral health care professionals must learn to provide screening, education, and referrals as part of comprehensive client/patient care. The provision of medical nutrition therapy, including oral and overall health, is incorporated into the Standards of Practice for registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered. Inclusion of didactic and clinical practice concepts that illustrate the role of nutrition in oral health is essential in education programs for both professional groups. Collaborative endeavors between dietetics, dentistry, medicine, and allied health professionals in research, education, and delineation of practice roles are needed to ensure comprehensive health care. The multifaceted interactions between diet, nutrition, and oral health in practice, education, and research in both dietetics and dentistry merit continued, detailed delineation.

Eating disorders and the skin

Eating disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified, are psychiatric disorders with physical complications. Several factors may contribute to the onset of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, including a familial predisposition to these disorders as well as individual personality characteristics. Dissatisfaction with body shape and an overwhelming desire to be thin are considered as risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Skin signs are the expression of the medical consequences of starvation, vomiting, abuse of drugs, such as laxatives and diuretics, and psychiatric morbidity. They include xerosis, lanugolike body hair, telogen effluvium, carotenoderma, acne, hyperpigmentation, seborrheic dermatitis, acrocyanosis, perniosis, petechiae, livedo reticularis, interdigital intertrigo, paronychia, acquired striae distensae, and acral coldness. The most characteristic cutaneous sign of vomiting is Russell sign (knuckle calluses). Symptoms due to laxative or diuretic abuse include adverse reactions to drugs. Symptoms due to psychiatric morbidity (artefacta) include the consequences of self-induced trauma. The role of the dermatologist in the management of eating disorders is to make an early diagnosis of the "hidden" signs of eating disorders in patients who tend to minimize or deny their disorder.