Evaluation of Eating Disorders Using “SCOFF Questionnaire” Among Young Female Cohorts and Its Dental Implications − An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Introduction: Eating disorders can cause serious changes in eating habits that can lead to major, even life-threatening, health problems. This may cause devastating effects on teeth. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted to assess eating disorders among 15 to 17-year-old female cohorts. The SCOFF [sick, control, one stone (1 stone is 6.3 kg), fat, and food] Questionnaire was distributed among the consented female cohorts. The study comprised five questions. The oral health examination was carried out using mouth mirror and WHO probe. The presence or absence of dental caries, dental erosion, gingivitis, as well as the body mass index was documented. The pamphlets regarding healthy dietary habits and ill effects of acidic foods were distributed to the participants after the oral health examination. Results: A total of 200 young female cohorts with mean age 15.85 ± 0.59 were screened. The prevalence of eating disorders according to the SCOFF Questionnaire was 10.5%. Those who had an eating disorder showed higher body mass index (19.21 ± 2.16) compared to those without it (17.51 ± 2.62). This showed statistical significance with P value equal to 0.005. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the dental caries experience among cohorts with disorders to without disorders. Conclusion: Although there was no difference in caries experience among cohorts with eating disorder to without disorder, it is the dentists’ duty to educate the person before they develop dental symptoms.