Is sodium bicarbonate an effective buffer for acid in oral care for people with eating disorders? A proposed randomised control trial

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ABSTRACT

This study highlights the review of the recent literature that is related to the oral sequel of the EDs - eating disorders. In this study, it is explored that dentists are recognized as the first line professionals in health care to deal with patients experiencing eating disorders. This proposal seeks to address the gap found in evidence based research related to eating disorders and dental care pertaining to this group of patients in mental health care facilities. Data sources have been hand searched through lack of research in this area. Most data primarily is based on ordinary dental care and hygiene. Citations have been traced through various journals on the subject area, the technique which is essentially known as 'Tree Search Referencing'. The study selected a particular group of patients particularly because when individuals are in a mental health ward, there is a tendency to focus on the reported or diagnosed disorder while ignoring other hidden problems. While sodium bicarbonate was identified as an acid neutralising agent with no residual effect in the oral cavity and no side effects as well, the presence of sodium bicarbonate aids the efficacy of the saliva already in existence. However, this study does not show any consistency in the illustration of the oral processes and epiphenomena that exists in eating disorder (EDs). Furthermore, sodium bicarbonate also does not possess any other benefits apart from immediate rinsing after an acidic challenge.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am thankful to all my teachers by providing me an opportunity to groom myself and giving me their precious time to aid me in my dissertation. I would not have been able to complete this task without their continuous support and courage. I have learnt a lot in this university which is even significantly magnified through working on this project under the guidance and supervision of such cooperative and supportive mentors. I am also thankful to our thesis supervisor for their guidance, encouragement, appreciation and valuable time invested into the completion of this dissertation. I would also like to be very thankful to them in providing me with immense support in data collection and providing access to relevant information. I also want to appreciate the cooperation of my colleagues, university management, network administration, and librarian to facilitate me in carrying out this research study. Lastly, I am also grateful to my family and friends for their incessant support, efforts, and cooperation.

DECLARATION

I declare that the following dissertation and its entire content is an unaided effort based on individuality and have not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my personal opinion on the topic under investigation, thereby not representing the opinion of the University, or any other entity except me for that matter.

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

LITERATURE REVIEW4

Global and individual impact of eating disorders and dental disease4

Definition and classification of dental erosion5

Prevention of further damage from acid7

The use of sodium bicarbonate in dental care ...