[Odontostomatologic symptomatology in eating disorders. A controlled study].
BACKGROUND
This study investigated odontostomatologic signs and symptoms associated with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa (Eating Disorders, ED).


METHODS
The authors have examined the following conditions in a group of 14 female subjects (average age: 23.5 +/-4.8) suffering for ED, compared to a control group of 12 female subjects (average age: 22.58 +/-1.83) negative for ED diagnostic criteria: temporo-mandibular joint status, salivary pH, periodontal indexes (plaque index, bleeding index, pockets presence, gingival recession presence), dental indexes (DMF-T, DMF-S; dental erosion or perymolisis), salivary glands swelling, oral hygiene habits (related to vomiting behavior).


RESULTS
The results obtained revealed a greater prevalence of gingival recession, diffuse marginal gingivitis, perymolysis, salivary glands involvement, lower salivary pH in the Eating Disorders (ED) group when compared with a non-ED control group. The results, obtained for the first time from a group of Italian subjects resident in a mediterranean country, agree with those obtained by authors working in an anglo-saxon area.


CONCLUSIONS
Since odontostomatologic pathologies may be the only detectable sign of Anorexia Nervosa and/or Bulimia Nervosa,the data presented in this study could facilitate the early identification of these patients and provide guidelines for the evaluation of oral pathologies in anorexic and bulimic patients.
Sivolella
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Università degli Studi-Padova. bivos@hotmail.com
Cordioli
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Consolati
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Favaro
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Santonastaso
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications*; D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications*; D004245:DMF Index; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D015995:Prevalence; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D014839:Vomiting; D055815:Young Adult