Integrating dental and medical care for the chronic bulimia nervosa patient: a case report

Excessive tooth erosion and resulting sensitivity and esthetic concerns are well-documented problems in patients with eating disorders. Several techniques for restoring lost tooth structure have been reported in the literature. However, the potential significant role of dental care in the comprehensive treatment of the chronically bulimic patient has received little attention. Integration and coordination of dental treatment with medicopsycho-social therapy of the bulimic patient may enhance the patient's success in combating this complex disorder. The key to proper dental management is a definitive approach to data collection and close coordination among all health care personnel providing primary health care therapy. A specific dental approach model is recommended in this report of a patient with a 15-year history of bulimia.     

Preventive dental services for the elderly

Preventive dentistry for the elderly is a two-track system: one for the haves and another for the have nots (not an uncommon duality). For those who have teeth, the major needs are prevention of new or recurrent caries and preventing further loss of supporting tissue. The strategies are essentially the same as for the younger populations, with some modification. For the have-nots, maintenance of denture function and denture hygiene becomes the counterpart. Both groups have the same needs for surveillance of soft tissue health and salivary gland function. The major challenge for the preventively oriented dentist concerned with the elderly is to develop an appreciation of the need for regular care in an age group that places a low priority on this service. This is an educational and a behavioral problem that has to be addressed by our social and behavioral scientists. The practitioner, however, has to build it into dental practice on an ongoing basis. People do not become elderly over night (although it may seem to happen that way). As people grow older, they lose the youthful sense of immortality and are very amenable to health education. We have to provide it. A well functioning dentition, artificial or, one hopes, natural, adds to well being, "quality of life" and is part of active life expectancy that to many is more important than mere survival.     

Preventive dentistry for the general dental practitioner

Although the prevalence of dental caries has decreased gradually in the past three decades in the Australian population, dental caries remains the primary reason for tooth loss in Australia. At the community level, total health expenditure on the treatment of dental caries (and its consequences) is substantial. Accordingly, caries prevention is an important focus at both the individual and community levels. This paper outlines the principles upon which modern caries prevention is based and stresses the importance of manipulating the oral environment (in terms of salivary parameters, ions, pH and the oral flora) as a major strategy for effective long-term caries prevention. Practical advice is provided on the correct home use of preventive agents, including chewing gums, chlorhexidine, fluorides, bicarbonate rinses and phosphopeptides.     

Preventive guidelines for the preschool patient

This article focuses on risk-based caries prevention and specific protective measures for preschool pediatric patients, to provide an age-appropriate approach designed for individual caries risk and optimize preventive care for preschoolers both in-office and at home.     

Providing dental care for the patient with autism

The increasing number of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders highlights the need to provide a full range of services, including dental care. A review of the autism spectrum, the magnitude of the problem, and approaches to providing services by dental practitioners are presented.     

Recognition of bulimia nervosa in dental patients: implications for dental care providers

Patients with bulimia nervosa commonly exhibit distinctive oral characteristics. Dental health providers should be able to recognize these signs and identify patients with this condition. Members of the dental health team then must intervene and assist in facilitating treatment of the eating disorder. Current knowledge about bulimia nervosa and its oral signs and preventive, interventive, and restorative strategies for dental health practitioners are presented.     

An interim prosthesis for the glossectomy patient

The use of a simple patient-held prosthesis for improving speech in a patient with mandible and tongue resections has been described. As subjectively perceived and objectively verified, speech intelligibility improved in a test patient. There were no apparent risks or lengthy therapy. The ease of fabrication and low cost indicate that this prosthesis may be of value in aiding the speech of glossectomy patients.