ORAL CHANGES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH EATING DISORDERS

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Eating Disorders

Background:

• Dysfunctional eating behaviors in eating disorders (ED) frequently lead to various oral health complications.
• Understanding these oral manifestations is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between oral manifestations, age, disease duration, and nutritional status in pediatric patients diagnosed with ED.
• To identify specific oral signs associated with different disease parameters.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 50 female pediatric patients with ED was studied.
• Data collected included patient age, disease duration, nutritional status (BMI z-score), and the presence of oral findings.
• Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations.

Main Results:

• Common oral findings included dental plaque, gingivitis, morsicatio, calculus, caries, pharyngeal erythema, and cheilitis.
• Dental plaque and pharyngeal erythema correlated with shorter disease duration.
• Frictional keratosis of the tongue was linked to longer disease duration.
• Linea alba and temporomandibular joint pain were associated with younger age.
• Tooth impressions on the tongue correlated with poorer nutritional status.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between oral manifestations and patient age, disease duration, and nutritional status in pediatric ED patients.
• Further research with distinct patient groups is recommended for more precise conclusions.