Eating Disorder Dental Problems     

Eating Disorders and Dental Problems

Some of the common signs and symptoms of dental problems associated with eating disorders include:

• Erosion of dental enamel
• Thermal hypersensitivity (cold/hot sensitive)
• Salivary gland enlargement
• Dryness of the mouth and decreased salivary flow
• Redness of the throat and palate
• Reddened, dry, and cracked lips and fissures at angles to the lips

Repeated vomiting exposes teeth to gastric acids which erode tooth enamel, the hard protective covering of the tooth. Teeth may become rounded and soft and/or amalgam fillings may start to protrude above a tooth’s surface. The teeth weaken and become susceptible to the worst possible invasiveness. Decay, crumbling, fracturing, falling out – all occur with this insidious disease.

Widespread cavities over a short period of time are a significant problem for anorexic/bulimic patients. The problem is two-fold: those patients that binge on high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods and then purge run the greatest risk of decay. The sugar in the foods set up an acid-attack on the enamel, while the act of purging bathes the teeth in hydrochloric acid from the stomach. This acid not only contributes to decay, but can also erode the teeth and fillings. The chronic bulimic patient will need numerous fillings over and over again, and have eroded enamel on the tongue-side of the teeth.

Associated with poor dental hygiene and damage to teeth and gums is the potential of greater risk of having an infection.

With the intervention of eating disorder specialists and a professional dental team, individuals can be helped to prevent further damage to their teeth and to have damaged and worn teeth replaced.

On a regular basis The Center calls upon the services of Dr. Brian McKay of Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Surgery to help our clients who have dental problems. Dr. McKay's team steps in to create a functional and beautiful smile design that effectively replaces damaged and worn teeth. The results speak for themselves. Happy smiling people back on the road to improved self-esteem and a cure.

"The hard work necessary to overcome this disease is absolutely incredible. It is truly gratifying and humbling to me to play a role in helping make sufferers of Bulimia 'whole again. Their smiles light up their entire being and touch me every time."
Dr. Brian McKay

To learn more about the services of Advanced Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, go to www.acld.com.
 

The Center does not support or encourage purging, but acknowledges some individuals are going to purge even with this information. It is recommended that people with eating disorders who purge, follow these steps to help prevent excessive teeth damage.

1. Immediately after vomiting, rinse their mouth with sodium bicarbonate or magnesium hydroxide (place one teaspoon in half a glass of water and rinse, or use a proprietary preparation, such as Dexal or Dexal Lemon)
2. Brush daily with fluoride toothpaste
3. After brushing, apply stannous fluoride gel (i.e., Floran), or rinse with neutral sodium fluoride rinse, such as Oroflour or Dentamint
4. Floss daily
5. If necessary, consider restoration of teeth with resins or crowns
6. Have regular dental checkups

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