Oral cavity and eating disorders: An insight to holistic health

Abstract

Oral health is vital to the general well being and is a time-tested indicator of the systemic health of an individual. Oral cavity may be the primary site affected in endocrine disorders, renal disorders, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, autoimmune cutaneous disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Eating disorders (primarily Anorexia nervosa and bulimia) are psychosomatic disorders having multifaceted etiology, and characterized by abnormal eating patterns. In many cases, the oral cavity may be the only site of the manifestations of eating disorders. An oral physician may often unveil the mystery of this underlying systemic pathology by a vigilant and meticulous examination of the oral cavity. This not only helps in nabbing the disease in its early course but also prevents the patients from the appalling consequences due to the disease. This article aims to highlight the etiopathogenesis and various oral features in eating disorders. The oral physician should be familiar with the bizarre oral features of eating disorders and should work in close connection with other healthcare physicians to prevent the psychosomatic and systemic consequences.

The Impact of Anorexia Nervosa and the Basis for Non-Pharmacological Interventions

“…The oral cavity may be the principal site of involvement in endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, autoimmune cutaneous, and psychological illnesses. EDs are psychosomatic disorders with complex etiologies and aberrant eating behaviors [118]. Brain alterations in AN were discovered decades ago, with the most prevalent result being a loss in grey and white matter that correlates with the severity of malnutrition and is typically reversible upon recovery (Figure 2) [119].…”

“…illnesses. EDs are psychosomatic disorders with complex etiologies and aberrant eating behaviors [118]. Brain alterations in AN were discovered decades ago, with the most prevalent result being a loss in grey and white matter that correlates with the severity of malnutrition and is typically reversible upon recovery (Figure 2) [119].…”

The Effect of Aging by Acidic Solutions, that Simulate the Oral Conditions of Patients with Nervous Bulimia, on the Bond Strength of Repairs Influenced Using Different Bulk Fill and Nanoparticulate Composites

“…These chemical agents may cause hydrolysis of the methacrylate ester bonds within the resin matrix of polymer-based materials [8]. The most frequently used solutions for material aging are water/alcohol and water; however, few reports have investigated the acid challenge faced by composites implanted in patients with nervous bulimia [9], whose oral pH may reach 1.5. In this sense, the use of acidic aging solutions would simulate critical pH variations in the oral cavity; nitric acid could particularly simulate this condition because it has a pH close to 2.…”

Oral psychosomatic disorders

“…Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are psychosomatic disorders characterized by abnormal eating patterns. 26 Primary factors in the etiopathogenesis of eating disorders are low self-esteem and generalized displeasure with bodily looks which stem from a network of psychological factors, personality traits, peer and parental pressure, and cultural differences. 26 Clinically, dental caries, pathological tooth loss, dental erosion due to chronic self-induced vomiting (depicted in Figure 14), xerostomia, palatal erythema and ulcers, and gingival and periodontal diseases are seen.…”