Eating Disorders and Their Impact on Oral Health
People with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, can suffer from significant oral health problems due to behaviors like binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and the use of diuretics or laxatives. These behaviors alter the mouth’s environment, leading to tooth decay, enamel erosion, discoloration, and tooth loss.
Bulimia Nervosa and Oral Health
Bulimia nervosa affects approximately 14 out of 100,000 people, primarily adolescent and young adult females. It is an eating and psychiatric compulsive disorder characterized by cycles of normal eating, restrictive dieting, and binge-eating. Binge-eating episodes, which must occur at least twice a week for three months to be diagnosed as bulimia nervosa, are often followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives and diuretics.
Repeated episodes of vomiting expose the teeth to stomach acid, which erodes tooth enamel and leads to:
- Increased cavities due to excessive carbohydrate intake during binge-eating.
- Dry mouth from decreased salivary flow and parotid gland dysfunction.
- Purplish-red lesions on the palate from repeated contact with objects used to induce vomiting.
- Raised silver fillings due to erosion of surrounding tooth structure.
- Discolored or dull-looking teeth caused by acid exposure.
- Loose braces or temporary restorations as stomach acid dissolves temporary cement used to keep them in place.
Best Oral Health Practices for Individuals with Bulimia
Brushing immediately after vomiting can worsen enamel erosion. Instead, follow these steps:
- Rinse thoroughly with a neutral solution such as baking soda and water to help counteract stomach acid.
- Use fluoride toothpaste, rinses, or gels to reduce sensitivity and build resistance to decay.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by properly brushing and flossing.
- Chew sugarless gum or use artificial saliva to stimulate salivary flow and prevent dry mouth.
Addressing both the eating disorder and its effects on oral health is essential to preventing long-term damage. Seeking professional medical and dental care can help mitigate the risks associated with these conditions.
