Impact of an oral health education intervention among a group of patients with eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa)

Background It is recognized that eating disorders are serious psychosocial illnesses that affect many adolescents and adults. A pre and post survey study was developed to assess demographics, oral health knowledge and self-image of patients with eating disorders participating in a hospital-based eating disorder clinic using an original oral health education program. The program's aim is to change the self-image and oral health practices of patients with anorexia-binge eating/purging (AN-BP) and bulimia nervosa (BN) disorders. Methods A pre-survey was completed by each study participant prior to attending the three educational sessions over a six-week period. A post survey questionnaire was completed after participation in all the educational presentations. Forty-six patients attended all three educational sessions and completed the pre and post-questionnaires. Results Most patients knew in advance that AN-BP and BN behavior can cause erosion of the teeth but only 30% knew the most likely location for the erosion to occur. But, following completion of the educational interventions, 73% answered the location correctly. Patients who reported going to the dentist regularly were significantly more likely to respond that their teeth/mouth had a positive effect on how they looked to themselves and to others, their general health, and their general happiness. Positive responses to the effect of the teeth/mouth on kissing and romantic relationships were also significantly higher for those who go to the dentist regularly compared to those who do not. Conclusions There is a need to further understand AN-BP and BP patients' oral health knowledge and self-image perceptions as it relates to their smile (teeth, mouth) to assist in developing a standardized oral health program for eating disorder centers to implement into their daily curricula. A dental team member in an interdisciplinary eating disorder treatment team is important. Including an oral health education program improves patients' oral hygiene and oral health knowledge, as well as provides a supportive environment to empower the patients to take control of their overall oral health.