An uncommon dental presentation during pregnancy resulting from multiple eating disorders: pica and bulimia: case report.

Pica is a compulsive eating disorder involving non-nutritive substances. The etiology of this eating disorder is unknown but it often is associated with subclinical mineral deficiencies. This article focuses on the simultaneous occurrence of two types of eating disorders, the co-existence of depression during four pregnancies, and the resulting dental clinical implications. The literature is substantial enough to support a possible etiological association between these eating disorders and depression during pregnancy. Associations between eating psychopathology, depression, and anxiety have been described consistently. The diagnosis of pica and the dental treatment related to it are not a common part of most dental practices; knowing the clinical features and detecting the condition depend on careful questioning and diligence. At present, no one has described the physiologic or psychological basis for pica. This article reviews the published literature pertaining to pica, specifically pagophagia.