Dentists Are Key To Early Identification of Eating Disorders
The Academy of General Dentistry in the USA has recently highlighted the crucial role dentists can play in identifying the early signs of eating disorders. There are a range of oral symptoms associated with eating disorders, which may mean that regular dental check-ups can identify a problem before it becomes obvious to family and friends.
Eating disorders can lead to significant long-term oral health problems and also pose a significant risk to overall health. February 22nd – 28th is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in America, and Delta Dental of Illinois is using this as opportunity to highlight the importance of early identification of people suffering from eating disorders. It is now felt that dentists may have a key role to play in identifying those in need of support and treatment, so that intervention may be offered at an earlier stage.
Eating disorders are psychological problems that have a major impact on health, both physical and psychological. They can take many different forms including:
- Excessive restriction of food intake. This is commonly referred to as anorexia nervosa
- Excessive intake of food. This is commonly referred to as binge eating, or compulsive over eating
- Normal intake of food associated with purging. Purging can be achieved by a range of methods, including diuretics, laxatives, and deliberate vomiting. This is commonly referred to as bulimia nervosa.
Eating disorders cause the body to become undernourished because the diet lacks the essential sources of nutrition, such as vitamins and minerals. Without a regular supply of these it is hard for a person to stay healthy and their body gradually begins to decline. Whilst initially these conditions do not cause obvious problems, if left untreated they can lead to muscle wasting, oral problems, organ failure, and eventually death. It is really important that people with eating disorders are identified as early as possible to try and prevent any permanent damage.
When people with bulimia nervosa vomit repeatedly, their teeth are frequently exposed to acid from the stomach which erodes the enamel on the teeth. If someone is suffering from anorexia nervosa, their restricted diet and lack of nutrition can make them more likely to suffer from gum disease. These are just two of the signs of eating disorders that could be picked up at a regular dental check-up. Other signs include tenderness in the mouth and throat, dry, sore or cracked lips, bad breath and sores around the mouth.
These signs may be present in a high majority of those suffering from eating disorders, and therefore regular dental check-ups may identify sufferers much earlier. Earlier identification will allow treatment, advice and support to be offered much sooner in the disease process, and help to minimise long-term problems. With up to 35 million adults and children in the USA alone having some form of eating disorder, an approach such as this, which offers the hope of earlier intervention, is very welcome indeed.
Join this Discussion
