Both your physical and mental healths are affected by eating disorders, as everyone knows. But what many people do not realize is that this psychological concern can also greatly damage your oral health. Unfortunately, most sufferers tend to overlook the big role that dentists play in the healing process. If you are suffering from an eating disorder, it is crucial that you seek out the help of a professional as early as possible.
How Anorexia Affects Your Teeth
Those who are suffering from anorexia can experience dry mouth, bad breath, mouth sores, and swollen gums, among others. These symptoms can be due to malnutrition and deficiency in various vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, and Iron. Extensive oral damage can be caused by anorexia, even if you observe proper and regular oral hygiene.
How Bulimia Damages Your Teeth
Bulimia, which is another common eating disorder largely characterized by bingeing and purging, can be extremely harmful to your teeth. Patients diagnosed with bulimia eat a large amount of food in a very short period of time. This consumed food is then intentionally vomited out by the patient to avoid gaining weight or sometimes to help ease his or her emotional burden. As this process damages the whole system, it also harms the teeth.
Like we mentioned, people with bulimia binge with carbohydrate-rich and sugary foods. That in itself compromises your oral health as those types of food can easily decay your teeth, and more so if eaten regularly. It is the vomiting though that really puts your teeth in danger. When you throw up, stomach acid rushes to your mouth and coats your teeth with very corrosive substance that could damage the enamel. It can lead to tissue loss, erosion, infection, and decay, among others. With all that, it is not surprising that many people suffering from bulimia also lose their teeth.
What Your Dentist Can Do for You
When suffering from an eating disorder, it is expected that you’ll have your therapist and your dietician leading your treatment team. However, you would definitely want to add your dentist to that team. A dental expert can give you useful advice on how you can avoid the potential consequences of both bulimia and anorexia. Having a dentist on your side also means you can still treat or repair the damage that could have already occurred and prevent further damage or even tooth loss. In case of irreversible damages, your trusted dentist can also help you get the restorations that you need.
If you would like to benefit from dental restorations, you can always contact us and we’d be pleased to refer you to one of our excellent dentists in your area.