Oral signs to help spot eating disorders early
Analysis of Oro-Dental Manifestations for the Screening of Eating Disorders.
This project will test whether a standardized checklist of mouth and dental signs can help detect eating disorders in adults aged 18–40 during routine dental visits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 461 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna) |
| Trial ID | NCT07295197 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The OHEDS study uses a standardized OHEDs Checklist completed by trained clinicians during routine intraoral exams to record oro-dental signs potentially linked to disordered eating. Participants aged 18–40 with at least 20 permanent teeth also complete validated eating-disorder questionnaires (SCOFF, ESP, DEQ) in a cross-sectional, multicenter design. Researchers will compare the Checklist's total score to questionnaire results to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and to identify an optimal clinical cutoff for suspicion. All assessments are observational and performed as part of scheduled dental care without introducing experimental interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–40 who can give written consent, have at least 20 permanent teeth, and attend participating dental clinics are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People outside the age or dental-tooth requirements, those with systemic diseases or medications that affect oral findings, or those already receiving specialist care may not benefit from this screening approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, dentists could use a simple checklist to flag patients for earlier evaluation and referral for eating-disorder care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have linked oral signs like dental erosion and salivary changes to disordered eating, but a structured, validated checklist like the OHEDs is novel and not yet widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 40 years * Presence of at least 20 permanent teeth (third molars excluded) * Both males and females are eligible * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Use of systemic antibiotics within the previous month * Active orthodontic treatment * Presence of systemic diseases that may affect oral conditions, including: diabetes, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Sjögren's syndrome, HIV infection, hematologic diseases, neoplasms * Mental disorders or neuromotor deficits that may interfere with the oro-dental clinical signs evaluated by the OHEDs Checklist * Use of xerogenic medications or drugs that may alter salivary flow or oral/perioral mucosal conditions, including: antihypertensives, beta-blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiparkinson medications, anxiolytics, antidepressants, neuroleptics
Where this trial is running
Bologna
- Clinica Odontoiatrica - Reparto di Igiene Dentale, Università di Bologna — Bologna, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marco Montevecchi
- Email: m.montevecchi@unibo.it
- Phone: 00390512088128
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.