The oral health status and oral health related quality of life of eating disorder patients at ‘Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek’

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the oral manifestations of Eating Disorders (ED) patients when compared to a group of controls with no antecedents of an ED. Research Question: ‘Are individuals who have an Eating Disorder at Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek, at an increased risk for poor oral health, when compared to individuals without an Eating Disorder?’. Materials and Methods: A matched case-controlled study was carried out on 45 patients, 15 diagnosed with an ED and 30 had no antecedents of EDs. Both groups were homogenous in terms of sex and age. A total population sampling was carried out, whereby the whole population of in and outpatients attending the facility between the mentioned period were invited to participate. Control group was recruited from a private practice in Malta. A mixed methodology approach whereby collection of both quantitative and qualitative data was used. An oral examination recorded BEWE, BPE, DMFT, Salivary parameters and presence of oral mucosal lesions. Questionnaires recorded oral hygiene habits, self-reported alterations in the oral cavity, dietary and smoking habits. Statistical analyses was conducted with the use of IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results: Reported oral manifestations of ED were changes in salivary pH values, oral ulcerations, altered taste sensation, parotid gland swelling, angular cheilitis, medication use, increased DMFT and worse self reported oral health. In addition, bleeding gums and tooth sensitivity were correlated mostly with the BED cohort. Smoking was more prevalent in the ED group. Oral ulceration was more frequent in the group that presented with the ED for less duration (1-3 years) and xerostomia was correlated with the use of antidepressants. Conclusions and implications for practice: ED patients at DKGS presented with a higher incidence of oral-related complications and an inferior oral health compared to the matched controls. The dental profressional is one of the first professionals in contact with early signs of an ED, this it is of utmost importance that an increased awareness regarding sympotmatology is created within our local dental community.