Bulimia nervosa, often referred to as bulimia, is a complex and very severe eating disorder that is represented by a destructive pattern of binge eating followed by purging. It is a condition that affects both mental and physical health.
In this article, we will talk about the effect bulimia has on the dental health of those who suffer from bulimia. We will also give some advice on what measures to take to prevent this illness from happening.
How Bulimia Affects Your Teeth
Bulimia has many ways to affect a person’s life. It causes not only a list of mental issues that come with constant feelings of shame and fear of eating food, being sensitive to such topics as body image, or, in general, dieting. It also comes with many health issues. Here, we will explain how bulimia can affect your teeth and what signs show that.
Acid Erosion
One of the symptoms is the constant need for vomiting. It leads the person to have an increased amount of acid from the stomach that comes in contact with the teeth, causing acid erosion.
Since stomach acid is highly corrosive, its constant contact with the dental cavity wears away the hard enamel layer that makes the teeth weak and thin.
The symptoms include:
- teeth sensitivity (to hot and cold food);
- teeth become more translucent (the lower layer of dentin is visible);
- teeth become more rounded and worn.
Advanced stages also include the teeth being shorter and easier to crack or chip. It is important to see these signs before it is too late, and once they are shown, consult the specialists.
Cavities and Tooth Decay
Cavities and tooth decay are often caused by a list of factors, including changes in saliva composition and the pH in the mouth cavity. Naturally, saliva neutralizes acids and helps the teeth to recover, but when such things as a high-sugar diet or poor oral hygiene come into play, it can disrupt the balance. It is crucial to keep the pH above 5.5, as when it drops, it causes the demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
The symptoms of cavities and tooth decay:
- tooth sensitivity;
- visible holes or pits in teeth;
- toothache.
To prevent it from happening, maintain good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, use fluoride toothpaste, and limit sugary and acidic foods.
Other Dental Issues
Bulimia is also the cause of other types of issues related to dental health. Here are some of them:
- gum disease. It is often called periodontal disease and is a common thing when gums become inflamed, swollen, and may bleed. Often, it is done due to nutritional deficiencies and the harsh effects of stomach acid.
- discoloration. This issue causes the teeth to go yellow and dull as enamel erodes and the underlying dentin is exposed.
- teeth become brittle and chip. Stomach acid causes a lot of issues to the teeth, and one of the effects is that the edges of the teeth become weaker as the underlying dentin is exposed.
Preventive Measures and Dental Care
Those with bulimia who want to minimize its effect on their dental health need to apply medical intervention for the eating disorder and specialized dental care.
The most common ages of this disorder are people between the ages of 15 and 24. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, bulimia affects around 1-2% of young women and 0.1-0.5% of young men, which often starts during adolescence or early adulthood. Thus, the earlier you start preventing it, the better it will be treated.
Here, let’s list out the few things you can do to help your dental health:
- good oral hygiene. This approach involves regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. However, if you want to brush your teeth after vomiting, we suggest waiting for at least 30 minutes to avoid scrubbing and spreading aid more on the teeth.
- regular dental check-ups. Dental professionals can help you monitor the progression of dental erosion, and if something is bad, they will help resolve this issue.
- sugar-free gum. It is a good way to stimulate saliva production, which will help to reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, thus lessening the damage to teeth.
- diet. Many will recommend that you have a diet. It is good to include those foods that strengthen the enamel, such as dairy products and leafy greens.
Final Thoughts
Addressing bulimia and related dental issues is what people should do to better their well-being. If you feel like you can't deal with it yourself, it is good to search for a piece of advice from professionals in both mental and physical approaches, as it can help prevent severe dental damage in the future.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and the first step towards a healthier, happier life.