 Overview
Bulimia Nervosa is
an eating disorder that harms your overall
health and is particularly destructive
to teeth. It involves secret repeated
binge eating followed by purging—self-induced
vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting,
diuretics or diet pills. The digestive
system contains strong acids that break
down food. When vomiting is used to purge
food from the body, these acids attack
tooth enamel. Repeated vomiting
can severely erode tooth enamel and over
time, teeth
will become worn and translucent. Your
mouth, throat and salivary glands may
become swollen and tender and bad breath
may result.
Anorexia Nervosa is another
eating disorder that is characterized by
an intense fear of weight gain, the desire
to be thinner, and an inability to maintain
a minimally normal weight for height and
age. It’s
self-induced starvation.
Each of these disorders robs the body
of adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins
and other nutrients needed for good health
causing potential injury to teeth, muscles
and major organs.
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The
frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies
often associated with eating disorders
can severely affect oral health. According
to the National Eating Disorders Association,
studies find up to 89 percent of bulimic
patients have signs of tooth erosion,
due to the effects of powerful stomach
acid.
Over time, this loss of tooth enamel
can be considerable, and the teeth
change in color, shape and length. They
can also become brittle, translucent
and sensitive to temperature. The salivary
glands may swell, causing the jaw to
widen and appear squarish. Lips may
become reddened, dry and cracked, and
the patient may also experience chronic
dry mouth.
Photos
courtesy of Craig Mabrito, D.D.S. |
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