From Volume 50, Issue 3, March 2023 | Pages 211-214
Pica is an eating disorder characterized by compulsive eating of non-food items. It can present to dentists through patient medical histories, and also through causing atypical patterns of non-carious tooth surface loss. In highlighting two cases of pica presenting in general practice, we aim to raise awareness of this condition and its dental implications.
Pica is an eating disorder defined as the chewing and/or ingestion of non-nutritious items. The name ‘pica’ originates from the Latin name for magpie, comparing the condition to a magpie's omnivorous eating habits. People living with pica are reported to consume a variety of non-food substances including clay, soil, stones, faeces, lead, plastic, paper, coal, chalk, wood, plaster and cigarette butts.8
Eating non-food substances is common in young children as part of their development. However, pica is defined as persistent eating of non-food substances for a period of over 1 month in someone aged over 24 months.2 Pica can be a learned condition found in 10–15% of people with learning disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).5 Pica is seen in up to 20% of pregnant women and is also found in patients with nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency.10
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