Grau de conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas a respeito das manifestações orais dos transtornos alimentares

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are behavioral disorders resulting from disturbed attitudes towards weight. These disorders often manifest through oral signs, making dental surgeons the first health care practitioners to have contact with these physical indicators. Adequate assessment and knowledge of oral manifestations of EDs allow early detection and referral for appropriate treatment. Objective: To evaluate dental surgeons' degree of knowledge about oral manifestations of eating disorders. Methodology: This is a cross- sectional, descriptive, quantitative, and statistical study, with the application of a questionnaire. Results: The majority of professionals identify the disorders using the manifestation of perimolysis. The multidisciplinary approach is pointed out as common to these professionals after the detection of the disorders. Conclusion: The interviewees affirmed an insufficient approach to EDs in academic training, but demonstrated proficiency in handling these cases in clinical practice. Dentists have insufficient knowledge of the oral manifestations of these disorders.