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Orthodontic abnormalities in patients with eating disorders
R L O'Reilly1, J W O'Riordan, A M Greenwood
1St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
International Dental Journal
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Patients with eating disorders frequently develop orthodontic abnormalities like open-bite. However, self-induced vomiting does not appear to be the cause, suggesting a complex relationship between eating disorders and dental health.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Psychiatry
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are associated with behaviors like self-induced vomiting.
- The oral cavity is often involved in purging behaviors, raising concerns about potential dental and orthodontic consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of orthodontic abnormalities in females with eating disorders.
- To explore the potential link between self-induced vomiting and the development of specific orthodontic issues, particularly open-bite.
Main Methods:
- Orthodontic examinations were conducted on 24 females diagnosed with eating disorders and 24 matched control subjects.
- A dental questionnaire was administered to all participants to gather information on oral health behaviors and history.
Main Results:
- Orthodontic abnormalities were significantly more common in the eating disorder group compared to controls.
- Open-bite was the most frequently observed orthodontic abnormality in patients with eating disorders.
- No significant association was found between self-induced vomiting and the presence of open-bite or other orthodontic abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that self-induced vomiting may not be the primary cause of orthodontic abnormalities in patients with eating disorders.
- Abnormal skeletal base patterns were noted in many patients, indicating potential underlying developmental factors.
- Eating disorders may be linked to orthodontic abnormalities through complex pathways, possibly involving shared etiology or the impact of orthodontic issues on the development of eating disorders.