Dentists Play Important Role In Spotting Eating Disorders

Mon, 09 Feb 2009

Dentists are becoming increasingly important in identifying the first signs of eating disorders in patients, according to beat, the UK charity for people with eating disorders .

The charity claims that although parents may not recognise that their child is anorexic or bulimic, the oral signs of the disease can be spotted by their dentist .

Bad breath, sensitive teeth and eroded tooth enamel are just a few of the signs that dentists use to determine whether a patient suffers from an eating disorder .

Other signs include teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent, mouth sores, dry mouth, cracked lips, bleeding gums, and tender mouth, throat and salivary glands.

A BEAT spokesperson said eating disorders are a serious mental illness that currently affect 1.1 million people in the UK.

"Eating disorders, and in particular bulimia, can have a significant impact on dental health with noticeable enamel erosion," commented the spokesperson.

"Dentists play an extremely important part in recognising the signs – the earlier treatment is sought for an eating disorder, the better the long term prognosis for the individual."

BEAT provides online support, helplines and a UK-wide network of self-help groups to help adults and young people overcome their eating problems.
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