Treating Dental Patients with Eating Disorders

Treating Dental Patients with Eating Disorders

Islam, Sarah

2020

Several signs and symptoms of various types of eating disorders can be detected by dentists during dental appointments. The condition of the oral cavity can reflect dietary habits and certain behaviors characteristic of eating disorders such as bulimia. Some eating disorders may also result in patients refusing dental treatment due to the intensified levels of discomfort during a dental screening. This systematic review involves the identification of eating disorder symptoms that are detectable in the mouth. I will collect data from case studies and primary research on eating disorders to determine the causes of severe discomfort during dental appointments. It is important for dentists to detect the signs of eating disorders to provide their affected patients with the highest quality of care by ensuring that they are comfortable during appointments. By understanding the needs of each patient, dentists can play a significant role in improving oral health by reducing the level of discomfort experienced by patients with eating disorders. I conclude this review an overview of the Health Belief Model (HBM), and explain how it can take into account the triggering factors that cause patients’ reluctance to continue dental treatments.

Video available upon request.

Healthcare; Public Health; Dentistry; Patient Care; Eating Disorders

Simmons University (Boston, Mass.)

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mp4 video

English

Undergraduate Symposium

Project Discipline: Dentistry