How Bulimia Affects the Teeth And How to Find Hope
Posted on 10/31/2023 by Weo Admin
Dental damage is one of the common side effects of bulimia. It is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating disorder and excessive food intake disorders. When a person with bulimia indulges in the act of self-induced vomiting, the teeth might be subjected to corrosion by acid exposure. The accumulation of hydrochloric acid in the mouth can lead to dental issues. However, there is hope for people with bulimia. Let us look into the ways bulimia affects the teeth and the ways you can help solve it.
How does bulimia affect your teeth
Major health complications like cardiovascular complications, electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal distress overshadow the effect that bulimia has on our teeth. Bulimia affects our teeth permanently in the following ways.
Contact with vomit
Acidic contents in your stomach move up and out of your mouth during vomiting. The acids from the stomach are responsible for wearing away the surface of the teeth exposing the structures below. This might lead to tooth sensitivity and a smooth glassy look. The more the purge frequency, the more damage to your teeth.
Brushing your teeth
It might seem right for people with bulimia to keep their habits a secret. This they attain by brushing their teeth immediately after purging. This is wrong, brushing does not help after purging, and surprisingly, 32% of the people with bulimia do this. Once you brush after purging, you push the acids through your teeth increasing erosion on the enamel, in front and on the sides. The abrasives in toothpaste work together with the acid eroding your enamel.
Reducing saliva
People with bulimia have reduced saliva reproduction. This enables the bacteria and the acids to carry out their destructive roles fast. Saliva acts as a neutralizer for the bacteria reducing the chances of tooth erosion or decay. Dry teeth erode faster than those coated with saliva.
How it is treated
Treatment of bulimia involves a professional therapist, dietitian, orthodontist, and psychiatrist. This group of people works together to ensure a full recovery. More than 68% of people with bulimia recover at the age of 20 to 22 years. This also takes your effort and the hard work you put in to ensure perfect recovery. Dental checkups are as important too, 30% of people with bulimia effects are diagnosed during their dental checkups. In this way, any underlying conditions are treated, and potential issues are eradicated. For bulimia treatment, talk to our dentists today for the best results.
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Dental damage is one of the common side effects of bulimia. It is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating disorder and excessive food intake disorders. When a person with bulimia indulges in the act of self-induced vomiting, the teeth might be subjected to corrosion by acid exposure. The accumulation of hydrochloric acid in the mouth can lead to dental issues. However, there is hope for people with bulimia. Let us look into the ways bulimia affects the teeth and the ways you can help solve it. 
