04Apr 2023
Eating disorders and the role of the dental team

Eating disorders and the role of the dental team

Eating disorders are complex conditions with comorbidities that can affect multiple disciplines, including dental health. General dental practitioners may be the first to identify patients with eating disorders and can play an important role in sensitively exploring their presentation, providing support, and managing dental complications. Eating disorders can affect anyone, and the main diagnoses are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Oral manifestations of these disorders include dental erosion, caries, trauma, atrophic mucosa, parotid gland enlargement, xerostomia, and periodontal disease. The dentist's role is essential in recognizing these findings, engaging the patient in treatment, and referring them to appropriate services. The dental team can also signpost patients to their general practitioner or local eating disorder support network.

  • #dentistry

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