Question

Andrea, an extremely thin 19-year-old woman, tells Dr. Versace that she has not been menstruating. Although Andrea appears healthy from her physical exam, Dr.Versace thinks that Andrea may be suffering from anorexia nervosa. However, she notices that Andrea has pitted teeth. Why should that observation cause Dr. Versace to further consider the diagnosis?

Answer 1

Anorexia nervosa leads to poor or restricted intake of food causing a BMI of less than 17.5 making them prone for hormonal imbalances ,mineral imbalances of calcium leading to poor bone development .Pitting in the teeth usually occurs due to deficiency .A poor bone mass can further help in the diagnosis of this conditions.

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a medical term which can be used for pitted teeth.

This could be a sign that she is in fact eating but foods that are very high in acidity.