Issue 33 | Dental Care and Eating Disorders

About this resource

NEDC e-Bulletin

Issue 33

dentistry and eating disorders

Introduction: 

Welcome to the thirty-third edition of the NEDC e-Bulletin.

In this edition we're pleased to release the next resource in our series of specialised information packages for health care professionals: Dentistry and Eating Disorders. Dentists are among the best placed health care providers to be able to detect the potential presence of an eating disorder in their patients. Oral decay is one of the leading signs and side effects of an eating disorder, especially where purging behaviours are present. As such it is vital that this first opportunity for medical response is treated with the appropriate approach, evidence-based advice and with ongoing positive health outcomes at the fore.

We look forward to continuing our work with the Dentistry and other health care sectors to support efforts to assist in the early detection, treatment advice and support for people living with eating disorders.

Accompanying the release of this resource is a feature article on the nature of eating disorders and their effects on oral hygiene, an interview with leading expert in the treatment of eating disorders, Dr Sloane Madden and some useful links to additional online references and sources for dentists and our engaged membership.

If you are interested in getting more involved in the NEDC we encourage you to join the collaboration and become an NEDC member.

Contents

1. Feature Article: Enabling Early Identification

2. Dentistry and Eating Disorders: Get the resource here

3. An interview with Dr Sloane Madden

 

Feature Article: Early Detection of Eating Disorders in Dental Consultations

Dentists are recognised as being among the first health care professionals that patients with previously undiagnosed eating disorders may present to (Frydrych, Davies and McDermott, 2005). The physical signs of an eating disorder are by no means limited to changes in weight. Particularly where eating disorder behaviours include purging, (vomiting) signs of oral decay can be an early indicator of an eating disorder. Dentists are therefore in a unique position to detect and identify the presence of a possible eating disorder during oral check-ups.
The research suggests that the incidence of eating disorders is on the rise, with one in 20 Australians experiencing an eating disorder at some stage of their life. It would be expected that dentists who work with higher at-risk groups would come in to contact with a higher number of individuals presenting with early signs of an eating disorder (Frydrych, Davies and McDermott, 2005). Therefore dentists can play a key role in detecting the presence of an eating disorder, encouraging help seeking and assisting patients with referrals.

Oral signs and symptoms that can indicate an eating disorder is present include:

  • Enamel erosion and erosive lesions
  • Severe erosion on lingual surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth
  • Moderate erosion on lingual and occlusal surfaces on upper molars
  • Erosion on lingual and occlusal surfaces on lower posterior teeth
  • Mucosal lesions
  • Weakening of incisal edges of incisor teeth
  • Anterior open bite
  • Loss of vertical dimension
  • Bleeding gingiva
  • Enlargement/swelling of salivary glands (especially parotid glands) or other swelling in cheeks/jaw
  • Difficulty swallowing (i.e. lump in throat, globas sensation)
  • Changes in colour, shape and length of teeth or teeth that are brittle, translucent and weak
  • Moderate to high thermal sensitivity in teeth/gums
  • Pulp exposure or pulp death
  • Reports of frequent sore throats or dry mouth, burning tongue
  • Dry, red or cracked lips

Some of the ways in which dentists can effectively engage with patients if they suspect an eating disorder or disorders behaviour are;

  • Discuss the problem privately, without others around
  • Raise the issue in a kind, non-judgemental way (e.g. “There are several problems with your teeth, including x, y, z. These problems can be associated with vomiting or a lack of nutrients in your diet. Do you make yourself vomit regularly or are you trying to diet or cut out foods?”)
  • Be positive in your approach; it is essential that dentists use the appropriate language and create a positive first disclosure experience for patients if they are to engage successfully with future treatment
  • Commend the patient if they are willing to talk about their problem (e.g. “I understand how difficult this is” or “I’m really glad you are talking to me”)
  • Reassure the patient that they are not alone and that eating problems are common
  • Avoid being critical, suggesting quick fixes or commenting on the patient’s weight, appearance or health in general
  • If the patient denies they have an eating issue, accept their answer and focus on maintaining or restoring their oral health
  • Provide the patient with information on how to improve or maintain their dental health overall

There is slow growth in the published literature output regarding the oral ramifications of eating disorders (Frydrych, Davies and McDermott, 2005). This potentially misses an opportunity for early intervention in eating disorders. It is a worthwhile area to explore as early intervention is critical for any patient with an eating disorder and early engagement in treatment greatly increases the chances of recovery.

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Dentistry and Eating Disorders: The Resource

 

An interview with Dr. Sloane Madden


Maintaining clear communication channels and working towards common goals across all health professionals better support patients during their recovery journey.

Early detection and coordinated medical treatment have long been identified as positive indicators in recovery from an eating disorder. Dentists play a role in this.
We talk about this with Dr Sloane Madden, who treats children and adolescents with eating disorders out the Childrens' Hospital at Westmead.

A dentists’ consultation might be the first point where an eating disorder could be identified. How can early detection improve or affect the treatment processes and outcomes for people living with an eating disorder?

Evidence clearly shows that early identification and the provision of evidence based treatment results in significantly better outcomes for individuals with eating disorders including, higher rates of recovery, less physical, psychological and functional complications and impairments and shorter duration of illness. This impacts not only the person with an eating disorder but also their families and carers.


What steps are critical for dentists and other unrelated health professionals to best assist a patient on the path to early help-seeking?

If dentists and other health-professionals suspect and eating disorder it is critical that they approach the patient in sensitive and non-judgemental manner, highlighting their concerns and offering to assist in linking in the patient to specialist eating disorder services.


Throughout the treatment of a patient with a diagnosed eating disorder, can additional health professionals, including dentists, continue to play a positive role in the recovery of the patient? How do medical teams work best together?

Eating disorders can impact all body systems and often require specialist support to minimise any long-term health complications. To minimise complications and maximise positive health outcomes for individuals with eating disorders it is important that health professionals communicate clearly and work towards common goals providing support for the patient during their recovery journey.

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AuthorNEDC

See also

Issue 84: Schools and Eating Disorders

Editor's Note NEDC's updated booklet Eating Disorders in Schools: Prevention, Early Identification, Response and Recovery Support Butterfly Body Bright: Dr Stephanie Damiano Body Confident Collective: Dr Zali Yager NEDC new resources: Stigma and Substance Use Upcoming professional development Editor’s note Schools across Australia have settled in to the first semester and this is often a time when struggles with disordered eating, eating disorders or body image in students can become visible to teaching and wellbeing staff, families and friends.

Read more

Issue 83: Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa 

Editor’s Note Binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa snapshot Q&A with Eating Disorders Victoria Q&A with Western Sydney University’s Dr Deb Mitchison Q&A with Inside Out Institute’s Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, Sarah Barakat, and Emma Bryant Guide to binge eating disorder and bulimia treatment options New resources Upcoming training References and further reading Editor’s Note “We were hearing from more and more Victorians living with binge eating disorder who felt like their experience was considered less important than other eating disorders.” Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria (EDV).

Read more

Issue 82: Challenging Stereotypes

Editor’s Note Launch and new resources: Management of eating disorders for people with higher weight: clinical practice guideline Report on the ANZAED Sydney Conference Interview with AJ Williams-Tchen and video Upcoming Training and Events Editor’s Note It’s been a busy few months for the eating disorders sector in Australia, with travel opening up and allowing for the free exchange of ideas and innovations.

Read more

Issue 81: Training and Innovation

Editor's Note New: Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for Mental Health Professionals Q&A with Dr Annaleise Robertson Training Approvals – Interview with Dr Amanda Bolton and Dr Sarah Egan Butterfly In the Wings AEDRTC IngnitED Fund Upcoming Training and Events Editor’s noteOne of NEDC’s main objectives is to help build a skilled and competent national workforce that can provide safe and effective care and treatment for people experiencing an eating disorder, across diagnostic presentations and treatment settings.

Read more