Salute orale e disturbi del comportamento alimentare. Studio osservazionale sui fattori di rischio in una popolazione di giovani adulti

Summary Eating Disorders (ED) are a group of psychological disorders affecting patients’ relationship with food and their own body. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, eating disorders not otherwise specified, other specified feeding or eating disorders, binge eating disorders, pica, rumination disorders, and restrictive food intake disorder, combined to emerging forms, such as drunkorexia and bigorexia. As oral manifestation signs and symptoms involving oral mucosa, dental caries, erosions, xerostomia, salivary glands modifications and perioral tissue metabolic impairment can be found. Obiettivi. The aim of this work is to examine the risk factors associated with the eating disorders of a population of young adults. Materials and methods. An observation study about the life styles, which can be associated with eating disorders, was carried on among young people between 18 and 25 years old living in Brescia and in its province, through a questionnaire (39 items). Results. Research has shown an increase in the cases of ED (especially regarding man and with an early onset); it emerges from the observation study that the 212 adults, who have filled in the questionnaire, have life habits which are considered dangerous for the development of ED. Conclusions. Dental hygienist has an important role in intercepting and preventing oral manifestations in patients affected by ED