Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- missing tooth (1)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (7)
- gum recession (1)
- celebrity smiles (92)
- cosmetic dentistry (19)
- root canal (4)
- endodontics (2)
- pediatric dentistry (8)
- tooth decay (12)
- tooth sensitivity (1)
- crown (2)
- oral health (43)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- braces (5)
- cracked mouth (1)
- teeth whitening (10)
- bad breath (3)
- orthodontics (5)
- dental implants (29)
- dental hygiene (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- oral hygiene (30)
- pediatric care (2)
- pregnancy (6)
- tooth wear (3)
- oral cancer (4)
- fluoride (2)
- bridge (1)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- nutrition (6)
- dentures (7)
- dental insurance (1)
- bonding (2)
- floss (2)
- gap (1)
- medications (1)
- chipped teeth (2)
- smile makeover (4)
- dental injury (8)
- mouthguards (5)
- air abrasion (1)
- crowns (7)
- x-rays (2)
- dental anxiety (2)
- ulcers (1)
- canker sores (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- infection control (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- porcelain veneers (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- mouthrinse (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- medication (1)
- mouthguard (2)
- anesthesia (1)
- salvia (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- partial denture (2)
- dental emergency (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- orthodontic treatment (4)
- retainers (1)
- gummy smile (1)
- pain management (1)
- gum disease (2)
- local anesthesia (1)
- composite resins (1)
- veneers (4)
- fillings (2)
- chipped tooth (4)
- saliva (1)
- wedding day smile (1)
- medicine (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- toothbrush (2)
- bone grafting (4)
- tooth pain (5)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (2)
- retainer (2)
- cancer (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- diabetes (3)
- cold sore (1)
- fluroide (1)
- toothache (3)
- thumb sucking (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- dentistry (1)
- dental exam (1)
- nerve pain (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- mouth sore (2)
- jaw pain (1)
- missing teeth (1)
- dental care (2)
- (1)
- shingles (1)
Categories:
While most dental problems are caused by disease or trauma, sometimes the root problem is psychological. Such is the case with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder that could contribute to dental erosion.
Dental erosion is the loss of mineral structure from tooth enamel caused by elevated levels of acid in the mouth, which can increase the risk for decay and eventual tooth loss. While elevated acid levels are usually related to inadequate oral hygiene or over-consumption of acidic foods and beverages, the practice of self-induced vomiting after food binging by bulimic patients may also cause it. Some of the strong stomach acid brought up by vomiting may remain in the mouth afterward, which can be particularly damaging to tooth enamel.
It’s often possible to detect bulimia-related erosion during dental exams. The bottom teeth are often shielded by the tongue during vomiting, so erosion may be more pronounced on the unshielded upper front teeth. The salivary glands may become enlarged, giving a puffy appearance to the sides of the face below the ears. The back of the mouth can also appear red and swollen from the use of fingers or objects to induce vomiting.
Self-induced vomiting may not be the only cause for dental erosion for bulimics. Because the disorder causes an unhealthy focus on body image, bulimics may become obsessed with oral hygiene and go overboard with brushing and flossing. Aggressive brushing (especially just after throwing up when the tooth enamel may be softened) can also damage enamel and gum tissue.
Treatment must involve both a short — and long-term approach. Besides immediate treatment for dental erosion, a bulimic patient can minimize the effect of acid after vomiting by not brushing immediately but rinsing instead with water, mixed possibly with a little baking soda to help neutralize the acid. In the long-term, though, the eating disorder itself must be addressed. Your family doctor is an excellent starting point; you can also gain a great deal of information, both about eating disorders and treatment referrals, from the National Eating Disorders Association at their website, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
The effects of bulimia are devastating to mental and physical well-being, and no less to dental health. The sooner the disorder can be treated the better the person’s chance of restoring health to their mind, body — and mouth.
If you would like more information on the effect of eating disorders on oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bulimia, Anorexia & Oral Health.”