EXPLORING BLEACHOREXIA – EXAMINING THE INTERPLAY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR AND BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

Abstract

Tooth whitening has gained popularity as a cosmetic dental procedure, aiming to enhance smile aesthetics. However, an emerging phenomenon known as “tooth whitening addiction” or “bleachorexia” has drawn attention due to patients exhibiting excessive and compulsive behaviours towards tooth whitening procedures. Material and Method: A systematic electronic search was performed in electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Science direct. After evaluation 38 studies were finally analysed. Results. This review discusses the idea of teeth whitening addiction, considers how it relates to addictive behaviours, and looks at any potential psychological causes that may be at play. Conclusions: Dental providers must be aware of the addictive nature of these behaviours as well as any potential psychological implications. Dental professionals can effectively manage tooth whitening addiction while ensuring the overall oral health and well-being of their patients by implementing a holistic strategy that includes dental and psychological examinations, appropriate patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The prevalence, psychological causes, and long-term effects of tooth whitening addiction must be further investigated in order to provide evidence-based interventions and recommendations in this developing field of study.

Keywords

• bleachorexia
• dentistry
• body dysmorphic disorder
• addictive behaviour