Oro-facial manifestations in patients with eating disorders

Studies have reported that the oral health status is jeopardized in patients with eating disorders. The aim was to review the oro-facial manifestations in patients with eating disorders. The address the focused question was “What is the oro-dental health status in patients with eating disorders?” MEDLINE/PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched from 1948 to March 2012 using the following terms in various combinations: “Anorexia nervosa”, “bulimia nervosa”, “eating disorders”, “dental”, “oral health status”. Letters to the editor, unpublished data and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. Dry lips, burning tongue and parotid gland swelling are common manifestations in patients with eating disorders as compared to medically healthy controls. The association of dental caries and periodontal disease in patients with eating disorders remains debatable. Temporomandibular disorders have also been reported to be more prevalent in patients with eating disorders as compared to healthy controls. A critical oral-dental examination during routine dental check-ups may reveal valuable information regarding the presence or absence of eating disorders in routine dental patients. This may be important information, updating the medical history, supporting the role of the physician.

• Dry lips, burning tongue and parotid swellings are common manifestations in patients with EDs.
• Hypovitaminosis-C in patients with EDs may jeopardize periodontal health in these individuals.
• Temporomandibular disorders are often observed in patients with EDs.
• Tooth erosion is a salient feature of EDs.
• Dental caries and periodontal disease in patients with EDs is debatable.