It has been estimated that more than 10 million Americans currently are affected by serious eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. While anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, they are most common in teen and young adult women. Eating disorders can have a large negative impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Given time, eating disorders like bulimia may lead to serious dental problems. Repeated vomiting can result in loss of tooth enamel, tooth decay, and gum disease. After frequent exposure to gastric acid, teeth become rounded and soft, as enamel is eaten away and fillings may stick out above the gum line. Loss of enamel and unconscious grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep, are the two most common causes of tooth loss.
Without the proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell. Individuals may experience chronic dry mouth. Throwing up frequently can affect teeth, too. When strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over teeth, the tooth’s outer covering (enamel) can be lost to the point that the teeth change in color, shape and length. The edges of teeth become thin and break off easily. Eating hot or cold food or drink may become uncomfortable.
DENTISTS: ON THE FRONT LINE OF EATING DISORDERS
Sometimes a dentist is the first professional to suspect an underlying eating disorder simply by taking note of the condition of the teeth and mouth.
Sometimes a dentist is the first professional to suspect an underlying eating disorder simply by taking note of the condition of the teeth and mouth.
WARNING SIGNS
Some of the signs and symptoms the dentist or dental hygienist see among people with eating disorders include the following:
Some of the signs and symptoms the dentist or dental hygienist see among people with eating disorders include the following:
- Chemical erosion of tooth enamel on the inside of the teeth, due to increased acidity from vomiting and exposure to gastric acid
- Enlarged salivary glands (glands that control moisture in the mouth)
- Dryness of the mouth and decreased flow of saliva.
- Redness of the throat and the roof of the mouth (palate)
- Reddened, cracked, dry lips
HOW YOU CAN TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR TEETH
To reduce the chances of enamel erosion and gum disease for those who have not yet been able to completely stop vomiting, the Eating Disorders Association of Queensland, Australia, advises patients to brush daily with fluoridated toothpaste after each meal, followed by flossing.
To reduce the chances of enamel erosion and gum disease for those who have not yet been able to completely stop vomiting, the Eating Disorders Association of Queensland, Australia, advises patients to brush daily with fluoridated toothpaste after each meal, followed by flossing.
Some dentists recommend using a fluoride mouthwash or fluoride applications to help repair tooth damage. If tooth enamel has already eroded, another option is to have your teeth restored with resins or crowns because the inner portion of the tooth, also called the dentine, is especially vulnerable to acid erosion. Finally, if you are uncomfortable talking to the dentist about your concerns, it may be easier to speak privately with the dental hygienist first. Former American Dental Hygienist Association President Beverly P. Whitfords has found that many bulimic and anorexia patients are much more comfortable talking about an eating disorder with a dental hygienist first before confiding in the dentist.
