An analysis of oral radiographic findings and their interpretations in women with eating disorders

Abstract

Background/PurposeEating disorders (EDs) are life-threatening conditions that mainly affect women and can be diagnosed early by dental professionals. The aims of this study were to examine the oral radiographic status of ED patients and compare the performances of dental professionals from different backgrounds in interpreting these findings. Materials and methodsIn total, 72 women with EDs and healthy controls matched by age, sex, educational status, and smoking status were included in the project. Standardized full-mouth intraoral periapical radiography with a bisecting-angle technique and digital panoramic imaging were performed in all participants. Five observers independently interpreted the tooth status, the condition of the periapical tissues, and the third molars. ResultsScores for intra- and interobserver consistency were acceptable and were 0.76 and 0.92, respectively. The ED group consumed a larger daily amount of acidic beverages (P < 0.05) than the controls, and a significant positive correlation was observed between the daily acidic-beverage intake and the frequency of vomiting (P < 0.05). In the ED group, the mean number of teeth with untreated carious lesions (P < 0. 01), particularly in the posterior mandibular region (P < 0.05) and periapical pathologies requiring treatment (P < 0.05), were significantly higher compared with healthy individuals. However, the radiographic depth-progression pattern of the carious lesions was similar in the two groups. ConclusionThe presence of radiographically detectable caries and periapical lesions makes ED patients more susceptible to the risk of losing their functional teeth over time, especially when considered together with their inadequate oral hygiene practices and acidic-beverage consumption. Nonetheless, dental professionals with different backgrounds can interpret such radiographic findings with similar efficiency.