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Despite the wide array of physical symptoms and medical complications that accompany eating disorders, it is often the pain and discomfort related to dental complications that first causes patients to consult a health professional. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans currently are affected by eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, but they are more commonly seen in teen and young adult women. Eating disorders negatively impact a person's quality of life, as well as their oral health. Self-image, relationships with families and friends, as well as school or job performance can be damaged. It is crucial for anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder to seek immediate professional help. Not only can eating disorders negatively affect a person's general health, it can also affect a person's oral health. Without proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissues inside a person's mouth can bleed easily and the glands that produce saliva may swell as well. Frequently throwing up can also affects your teeth because strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over the teeth. Signs and Symptoms Someone You Know May Have an Eating Disorder However, when visiting your dentist, it is nearly impossible to hide the damage caused by an eating disorder. Dentists can identify the various signs of eating disorders through your oral health. Your dentist will tell you what they have noticed in terms of enamel erosion and will encourage you to seek further treatment. Common Signs of an Eating Disorder may include: * Bad Breath
* Tender mouth, throat and salivary glands
* Eroded tooth enamel
* Teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent
* Mouth sores
* Dry mouth
* Cracked lips
* Bleeding gums
* Sensitive teeth Oral Health Consequences Associated with Eating Disorders Frequent vomiting and severe nutritional deficiencies associated with eating disorders have severe consequences for your teeth and oral health. Because the digestive system releases such powerful acids that break down food, self-induced vomiting allows these acids to come in contact with, attack and wear-away tooth enamel during regurgitation. Additionally, frequent vomiting may alter the color, length and shape of your teeth. People with eating disorders may experience tenderness of the mouth and throat, noticing swollen salivary glands. These swollen glands may result in widening of the jaw and a square-like shape. Those who suffer from anorexia may experience weakening of the jaw bone as a result of osteoporosis, which also weakens teeth and leads to tooth loss. Recovering and Restoring Your Oral Health Restoring your oral health after recovering from an eating disorder is vital to your self-esteem and general health. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, it is imperative that you seek professional help. Treatment to restore your smile may involve crowns, veneers, fillings or even full mouth reconstruction, in conjunction with therapy and support groups. A key element in recovering is education. Dental treatments can and should begin during the recovery process to protect your teeth. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, enamel loss may be replaced and in some cases more extensive dental treatments may be required, depending on the extent of the damage of your teeth. Because changes in the mouth are typically the first physical signs of an eating disorder, your dentist may be the first to recognize the illness. Consult your dentist today if an eating disorder has caused a change in your oral health.
Sean Hartmen is the author for Dr. Rani Seeth of Bolingbrook Dental Care, an experienced Bolingbrook school checkups dentist. Providing the most quality care, Dr. Seeth offers implant restoration, veneers, bonding, crowns, teeth whitening and school dental checkups in Bolingbrook for patients of every age.
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