How Can Eating Disorders Affect Your Dental Health?

It’s estimated that about eight million Americans suffer from anorexia, bulimia, and related eating disorders. Not only are these life-threatening conditions, but they can have detrimental effects on your dental health. Some eating disorders can be discovered during routine dental checkups, which is why it’s incredibly important to see your dentist regularly. In this blog post, we’ll explain how eating disorders can negatively affect your smile and what your dentist can do to help.

What Are Eating Disorders?

An eating disorder is an illness characterized by preoccupations with food and weight. It’s a serious condition that affects physical, psychological, and social function. Eating disorders are most common among young women between the ages of 15 and 25.

 Let’s take a closer look at a few types:

• Anorexia: People with anorexia severely limit their food intake because they have a distorted body image and an extreme fear of gaining weight.
• Bulimia: This involves cycles of binging and purging. Usually, people with this disorder will eat compulsively and get rid of the food by intentionally vomiting, exercising, or taking laxatives.
• Binge-Eating: This is when a person goes through periods of compulsive eating followed by guilt or depression. However, they do not purge.

The Effects of Eating Disorders on Your Smile

Anorexia and bulimia can wreak havoc on your dental health. The stomach acid from vomiting damages teeth and oral tissues in many different ways. It can lead to worn, translucent, and sensitive teeth. You’re also at an increased risk of frequent cavities and root canals. Some other symptoms include cracked lips, dry mouth, inflamed salivary glands, and difficulty swallowing.

People with eating disorders also tend to suffer from nutritional deficiencies. A lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and fluids can cause multiple dental health problems (i.e., jawbone loss, canker sores, dry mouth, and bad breath). Not only that, but inadequate nutrition can cause your gums and other soft oral tissues to bleed easily.

How Your Dentist Can Help

If you have an eating disorder, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist for help. They’ll provide you with all the support, guidance, and resources you need. With their help, you can be on the right path toward recovery and protect your teeth. Depending on your case, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments or high-strength fluoride gel, especially if you’ve experienced tooth erosion or frequent cavities. Xylitol can help prevent dry mouth and cavities. Patients who struggle with purging may be offered a mouthguard to reduce the effects of stomach acid on the teeth.

It’s never too late to get help for an eating disorder. Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist or primary care practitioner for treatment. They’ll do everything possible to get your smile and body back on the right track!

About the Practice

At Sunrise Dental Center, we’ve provided nearby patients with state-of-the-art and personalized dental care for over three decades. Our team values patient education to help everyone make the best decisions for their smiles. To learn more about the impact of eating disorders on dental health, visit our website or call (713) 869-9973.