Bulimia
Bulimia is an eating disorder in which the patient frequently binges and purges, or eats large amounts of food and then regurgitates it. Bulimia is a disease that can have particularly harmful effects on your oral health.
When a person vomits, stomach acids enter the mouth which can be very damaging to the teeth, eroding the enamel and causing the teeth to appear dark and stained. Over time, the teeth can actually be worn down, creating noticeably jagged edges and even affecting the patient's bite. Tooth sensitivity also often occurs with repeated purging, as a result of the erosion of the protective enamel.
A dentist may actually be able to tell before other health practitioners that a patient is suffering from an eating disorder, due to the telltale signs that appear so early in the teeth and gums.
Dentists actually advise not brushing your teeth immediately after purging. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and baking soda, which will help to neutralize the acid. Brushing your teeth after purging would only help to grind the stomach acid into your teeth.
Fluoride treatments may be prescribed that can be applied daily, and higher concentration fluoride toothpastes are available that can help to prevent further destruction of the teeth. Fluoride also helps to reduce the sensitivity that can occur.
Cosmetic dentistry is an important part of the treatment process for an eating disorder. Restoring the look of beautiful, healthy, and natural teeth can help preserve the patient's self esteem after recovery, and a dentist can take steps to help preserve and maintain your oral health while you're still recovering from your illness.
