What oral manifestation may occur in patients who struggle with anorexia nervosa?

In patients who struggle with anorexia nervosa, angular cheilosis is a common oral manifestation. This condition is characterized by the development of cracks or sores at the corners of the mouth, often a result of nutritional deficiencies, particularly deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, and other essential nutrients. This can occur in individuals with anorexia due to the severely restricted diets that often accompany the disorder, leading to malnutrition and weakened mucosal health.

The presence of angular cheilosis is also indicative of the body's stress and inability to heal properly due to inadequate nutrition. Other factors contributing to this condition may include poor oral hygiene, decreased salivary flow due to dehydration, and the effects of frequent vomiting, which is another concern in binge-purge behaviors often associated with eating disorders.

In contrast, conditions like high salivary flow or dry mouth do not typically manifest directly from anorexia nervosa. High salivary flow can be more linked to other conditions or medications, while dry mouth can occur due to dehydration often seen in anorexia, but it is not as specifically related to the nutritional deficiencies characteristic of the eating disorder as angular cheilosis is. Hence, angular cheilosis is the correct answer as it represents a direct consequence of the