Oral Effects of Bulimia

How Bulimia Can Affect Your Oral Health

Bulimia is classified as an emotional disorder that involves distortion of a patient’s body image as well as an obsessive desire to lose weight quickly. This condition is also classified as an eating disorder in which patients overeat in a short period of time, which is then followed by feelings of shame, guilt, and even induced vomiting. Bulimia and other eating disorders can do serious damage to the body, and unknown to many, these disorders can also do an extensive amount of damage to oral health.

The dental health changes seen in bulimia patients are very recognizable. Vomiting frequently can cause salivary glands to become swollen and also cause the tissue inside the mouth to dry out and become sore and red in color. Those with bulimia have also reported having continuing sore throat pain as well as small hemorrhages that can be found in the skin of the mouth’s palate. Recurrent vomiting has also been known to cause erosion of the tooth enamel of the front teeth, which come in most contact with the tongue.

When the tooth enamel has become severely eroded, it can cause changes to the patient’s bite and the way the lower and upper teeth fit together. Additionally, the teeth in the back of the mouth can shrink, and some of the teeth can be lost if the issue continues. It takes about three years for tooth erosion to become apparent, but not all bulimia patients experience this dental symptom. Since many patients with bulimia are malnourished, they often experience periodontal disease as well.

For patients who are struggling with bulimia, their dental professionals may recommend additional treatments in order to protect their patients’ teeth. First, they may administer fluoride treatments when doing a regular dental check-up and may even prescribe a fluoride gel to be used at home. It is very important for patients to visit their dentist on a regular basis in order to protect and maintain their oral health. If the patient has extensive tooth damage, some additional treatments may be necessary.

Dental health treatments are very important in a bulimia patient’s recovery. The dental team works with the patient’s health care team, and together they coordinate the individual’s dental and general health treatments for maximum results. After the patient’s bulimia is considered to be under control, it may be necessary to have some of his or her teeth restored. Should the enamel loss be stopped early on, it is possible for it to be replaced using a material known as a composite resin or amalgam.

If you or a loved one is suffering from the effects of bulimia, you can always consult with your doctor or dentist to come up with a coordinated health care plan. You can also sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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