Oral cavity and eating disorders: An insight to holistic health

Abstract

Oral health is vital to the general well being and is a time-tested indicator of the systemic health of an individual. Oral cavity may be the primary site affected in endocrine disorders, renal disorders, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, autoimmune cutaneous disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Eating disorders (primarily Anorexia nervosa and bulimia) are psychosomatic disorders having multifaceted etiology, and characterized by abnormal eating patterns. In many cases, the oral cavity may be the only site of the manifestations of eating disorders. An oral physician may often unveil the mystery of this underlying systemic pathology by a vigilant and meticulous examination of the oral cavity. This not only helps in nabbing the disease in its early course but also prevents the patients from the appalling consequences due to the disease. This article aims to highlight the etiopathogenesis and various oral features in eating disorders. The oral physician should be familiar with the bizarre oral features of eating disorders and should work in close connection with other healthcare physicians to prevent the psychosomatic and systemic consequences.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa; bulimia; eating disorders; oral manifestations.