Eating disorders (ED) are present in 1-4% of schoolgirls and female university students, constituting the third most common chronic illness of teenage girls. In 18% of Eating Disorder Patients (EDP) the disease has a fatal outcome. Early identification of EDP may reduce morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: To investigate oral soft tissue lesions in EDP with the aim of ascertaining whether lesions of oral soft and hard tissues may be of value in identifying EDP.
Methods: Fifteen EDP and 25 controls were recruited. Participants were subjected to comprehensive evaluation of medical history and subsequent oral examination. Biochemical testing was undertaken for EDP.
Results:
Table 1. Participants
|
|
Mean Age (years) |
Female |
Male
|
Total |
|
Anorexia Nervosa (11) Bulimia Nervosa (3) Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (1) |
19 |
14 |
1 |
15 |
|
Controls |
17 |
20 |
5 |
25 |
Table 2. Soft tissue lesions
|
Soft tissue lesion |
EDP |
Controls |
|
Glossitis |
20% |
0% |
|
Lichen planus |
7% |
0% |
|
Angular cheilitis |
7% |
4% |
Table 3. Biochemical deficiencies
|
Deficiency |
No of EDP |
|
Iron |
7% |
|
Transferrin |
27% |
|
Vit B-12 |
13% |
Dental erosion was noted in 13% of EDP.
Conclusion: Soft tissue lesions and nutritional deficiencies were found in EDP. Soft tissue lesions occurred more frequently in EDP than controls. Soft tissue manifestations were more prevalent than the tooth erosion usually regarded by dentists as a pathognomonic feature of ED. These findings support the notion that soft tissue lesions normally associated with nutritional deficiencies, in otherwise healthy individuals in the at risk age group, could alert dentists to an underlying ED. Results of this pilot study suggest that potential markers of ED are manifest in oral soft tissues and that further research is warranted.