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Dental Hygienists Are Skilled in Detecting Eating Disorders
It is important for dental hygienists to recognize the signs of the eating disorders, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, according to the American Dental Hygienists Association. Dental hygienists are health care professionals who can also detect the physical damages that may accompany these eating disorders.
According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA)’s president Beverly P. Whitford, RDH, BS, "When bulimia is suspected, the most important task a dental hygienist can do is to take careful notes. This involves taking a complete health history which notes every finding that might indicate an eating disorder."
Bulimia is characterized by compulsive overeating or binging followed by self-induced vomiting, and produces signs and symptoms that can be detected in the mouth during a routine oral exam. The anorexic patient achieves extreme weight loss by severely limiting calorie intake, but the oral signs in both patients may consist of dry mouth, reddening of the palate and dry, chapped lips.
The repeated vomiting, in addition to these symptoms, which is a common characteristic of both disorders, exposes teeth to gastric acids which erode tooth enamel, the hard protective tooth covering. Teeth may become rounded and soft or fillings may protrude above the tooth's surface.
Eating disorders often can be successfully treated when detected early and the ADHA recommends that patients with eating disorders seek oral health care. Whitford also notes that eating disorders patients may be more comfortable talking with a dental hygienist rather than a doctor or dentist who represent the ‘authority figure’. The dental hygienist is in a position to help in a way that family and other health care professionals cannot. The ADHA suggests routine visits to your dental hygienist as a proactive measure in maintaining your overall health.
The ADHA is the largest national organization representing the professional interests of more than 100,000 dental hygienists nationwide.
(SOURCE: American Dental Hygienists' Association)
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