Adverse effects of eating disorders on the oral health of teenagers

¹ PU-PH, University Paris-Diderot  
² HU, University Paris-Diderot  
³ MBD Practitioner, Clermont-Ferrand University  
⁴ Odontology Department of the Rothschild Hospital, AP-HP Paris  
⁵ Laboratory LMI UMR CNRS 5615 Lyon 1  

Address for correspondence: Pierre Colon - Odontology Department of Rothschild Hospital, AP-HP – 5, rue Santerre – 75012 Paris. E-mail: pierre.colon@aphp.fr

Received: 28 June 2017
Accepted: 28 July 2017

Abstract

Eating disorders in teenager’s population has a wide range of expressions from a large consumption of sodas or sugar, to binge drinking, anorexia nervosa and anorexia bulimia. Tooth wear or high caries risk could be the clinical expression of such harmful habits and the dental clinical examination could be the way for an early diagnosis of eating disorders

In this kind of situation, discussion with the teenager should be preferred. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of such eating behaviors especially for teenagers. Vomiting and gastro esophageal reflux to lead to dental erosion could also be correlated to bruxism and attrition. Prevention and interception of harmful habits are the best way to stop teeth degradation purpose restorative procedure is sometimes required.

Orthodontic therapy is a good opportunity for discussion with teenagers to identify risk factors, but an advised selection of biomaterials is also required during the orthodontic treatment.