Children
Oral Manifestations in Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders or Eating-Disorder Risk: A Systematic Review and Stratified Meta-Analysis
By Luis-Gómez P, León-López D, Crespo-Gallardo I and 5 others.
Abstract
Background
Eating disorders (EDs), primarily anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and related risk behaviors, are complex biopsychosocial conditions frequently accompanied by stomatognathic alterations. Systemic malnutrition and chronic purging behaviors significantly impact oral tissues, giving dental practitioners a valuable opportunistic position for early recognition.
Objective
We aimed to systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize stomatognathic manifestations in children and adolescents with clinically diagnosed eating disorders compared to those with screening-identified eating-disorder risk. Material and methods: A systematic review and stratified meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420261490862). Comprehensive searches were executed across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase on 24 July 2026. Eligible primary studies evaluated oral outcomes in pediatric cohorts aged nine to eighteen years. Studies were stratified into clinical diagnoses and screening-defined at-risk cohorts, utilizing random-effects meta-analyses and GRADE assessments.