Bulimia’s Impact on Dental Health

Bulimia’s Impact on Dental Health

Eating disorders pose a serious problem in the United States. More than 10 million Americans, especially teen and young adult women, suffer from eating disorders, one of which is bulimia—a cycle of bingeing on food and purging by the use of laxatives or vomiting. Bulimia can wreak havoc on a young person’s health, including causing serious dental problems. In fact, dentists are often the first medical professionals to suspect bulimia in their patients, making us a key part of the recovery process.

Throwing up frequently can affect the mouth in several ways:

It destroys the enamel. When you vomit, your mouth is bathed in digestive acids, along with the foods being regurgitated. These acids can erode the enamel, or top layer, of your teeth. This is a problem because the enamel protects the more fragile layers of your teeth from sensitivity and decay. Studies show that 89% of people who are bulimic suffer from enamel erosion.

It ruins appearance. As the enamel of your teeth is worn away, the teeth take on a yellowish or grayish appearance. If the erosion process continues, teeth can even change in size, appearing longer. Frequent vomiting may cause problems with the salivary glands, and swollen glands can widen your jaw, giving it a “square” appearance.

It can make a person with bulimia feel uncomfortable. Dry, cracked lips; chronic dry mouth; severely sensitive teeth; and a sore throat and tongue are painful conditions common in bulimics.

Dr. Jared can help manage the effects of bulimia on your child’s mouth. He may suggest avoiding brushing the teeth directly after vomiting, because this can make erosion worse. Instead, encourage your child to use a baking soda rinse to wash acid from the mouth. Saliva replacements and fluoride treatments can also help counteract the negative effects of the disease, as is making frequent visits to our office to treat cavities and perform root canals on damaged teeth.

Despite being able to help with the side effects, we at KiDDS Dental can’t help your child recover from bulimia. It is vitally important to get the help your child needs—not only for the sake of his or her mouth, but also for health, happiness and the future.

Call us to schedule an appointment today! (509)-891-7070.