Maya Fahy

Abstract

Background: Bulimia nervosa is a common psychiatric disorder, mainly affecting young women, which can cause serious medical complications. This includes adverse effects on oral health. Early diagnosis can lead to treatment referral and increased likelihood of recovery, improving overall mental and physical health and quality of life. Dental erosion is a common manifestation, amongst other extra-oral manifestations visible during a dental examination.  If correctly identified, this could facilitate early diagnosis and signposting for appropriate treatment.

Objectives:  To understand the relationship between bulimia nervosa and dental erosion. What is the evidence that bulimia nervosa increases the risk of dental erosion?

Method: Two databases were used to search for relevant scientific literature. Eleven studies were identified that compared the prevalence and severity of dental erosion in participants with bulimia nervosa who self-induced vomiting with control groups.

Results: Dental erosion was significantly more common and more severe in participants with bulimia nervosa than control. Distinct patterns of erosions were found, with the palatal surface of the maxillary central incisors most affected. No pattern of erosion was noted in the control group.

Conclusions: Bulimia nervosa with self-induced vomiting is a significant risk factor for dental erosion. Long history of vomiting is associated with more severe erosion. Preventative measures can reduce tooth surface loss following bouts of vomiting.

The audience take away from presentation:

To learn how to differentiate between erosion caused by food and drink versus vomiting.

To identify extra-oral presentations of bulimia nervosa which will be detectable by a general dental practitioner.

How to treat cases of dental erosion in primary care.

To utilize screening tools to enable early diagnosis and signposting of patients suffering from bulimia nervosa.