[Odontostomatologic symptomatology in eating disorders. A controlled study].

BACKGROUND

This study investigated odontostomatologic signs and symptoms associated with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa (Eating Disorders, ED).

METHODS

The authors have examined the following conditions in a group of 14 female subjects (average age: 23.5 +/-4.8) suffering for ED, compared to a control group of 12 female subjects (average age: 22.58 +/-1.83) negative for ED diagnostic criteria: temporo-mandibular joint status, salivary pH, periodontal indexes (plaque index, bleeding index, pockets presence, gingival recession presence), dental indexes (DMF-T, DMF-S; dental erosion or perymolisis), salivary glands swelling, oral hygiene habits (related to vomiting behavior).

RESULTS

The results obtained revealed a greater prevalence of gingival recession, diffuse marginal gingivitis, perymolysis, salivary glands involvement, lower salivary pH in the Eating Disorders (ED) group when compared with a non-ED control group. The results, obtained for the first time from a group of Italian subjects resident in a mediterranean country, agree with those obtained by authors working in an anglo-saxon area.

CONCLUSIONS

Since odontostomatologic pathologies may be the only detectable sign of Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia Nervosa,the data presented in this study could facilitate the early identification of these patients and provide guidelines for the evaluation of oral pathologies in anorexic and bulimic patients.