Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening mental illnesses, predominately affecting females and often emerging during early adolescence. The etiology of eating disorders is complex, involving biological, psychological, and social issues, genetic predispositions, and, in some cases, a consequence of childhood sexual abuse.
In Canada, over one million people meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. While food appears to be the central issue, eating disorders also focus on body shape and weight.
This article, published in the March 2024 issue of FOCUS, discusses:
- Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder
- Extraoral and intraoral signs and symptoms of these disorders
- Oral complications from eating disorders and prevention strategies
- Interprofessional collaboration and the essential role of dental hygienists
Click here to read the full article.
