Bulimia is an eating disorder in which people binge-eat big amounts of food. Then they purge – toss up, quick, or take part in some other “purging” habits such as using laxatives or exercising to excess– in an effort to rid their bodies of all the additional calories.
Consistent cycles of bingeing and purging are difficult on the heart, kidneys, and other organs. However bulimia can be especially damaging to the teeth.
Bulimia and Teeth Problems
The impacts of bulimia are harmful and range from physical, psychological, mental, social, monetary, and more. In contrast to anorexia, the physical effects of bulimia might not be as prominent or apparent.
Purging and your teeth and mouth
Repetitive vomiting can cause severe damage to the teeth. Vomit is particularly poisonous because it consists of stomach acids. These acids break down food in your stomach so your body can absorb it.
But in the mouth, these acids are corrosive, sufficient to deteriorate at the enamel that covers and protects your teeth. Brushing your teeth too hard after you vomit can likewise contribute to dental caries.
Cavities
The acids from regular vomiting can deteriorate a lot tooth enamel that they leave a hole, or cavity. Bingeing on sweet foods and sodas can also add to dental caries.
When you have dental decay, you may discover that your gums bleed when you brush them. If you don’t get a cavity filled, the hole will ultimately become so huge that you can lose the tooth.
Yellow, brittle teeth
As the disintegration worsens, you may likewise discover the color and texture of your teeth change. Your teeth might be weaker and more brittle than typical.
They can chip easily and may look ragged at the bottom. Often they’ll turn a yellow-colored color or handle a glassy appearance. Bulimia can also alter the shape and length of your teeth. After treating bulimia you probably require teeth whitening.
Swollen salivary glands
The acids in vomit can irritate the glands on the sides of each cheek. These glands produce saliva, the fluid that helps you swallow. It likewise protects your teeth versus decay. You’ll notice a swelling around your jaw if your salivary glands are impacted.
Although the majority of modifications in your teeth from bulimia aren’t reversible, salivary gland swelling should decrease once you get dealt with and stop bingeing and purging.
Mouth sores
Simply as stomach acid deteriorates at the enamel on your teeth, it can also wear away at the skin on the roof and sides of your mouth It can likewise damage your throat.
This can leave painful sores inside your mouth and throat. The sores can swell up and even become infected. Some people feel like they have a constant sore throat.
A lack of saliva can also result in the consistent sensation that your mouth is parched. Also known as dry mouth, this condition is more than simply a minor annoyance. It can impact the method you eat by altering the taste of food.
Dry mouth can likewise harm the teeth because saliva cleans the away bacteria that cause dental caries. Having dry mouth can make existing dental caries from bulimia even worse.
Pain
As your tooth enamel wears away, it leaves the sensitive inner part of your teeth exposed. You might start to discover that your teeth hurt.
Some people have pain and level of sensitivity whenever they eat hot or cold food. They might feel pain when they bite into an ice cream cone or eat something hot such as soup.
Damage to your gums and soft taste buds can cause extra pain when chewing or swallowing.
Dental Treatment After Bulimia
The short-term solution to fixing dental problems triggered by bulimia is to treat the dental conditions. A dental practitioner can fill cavities, repair broken teeth, and help look after your gums.
Nevertheless, the long-lasting option to is to seek treatment for your bulimia. Dental repairs can just presume if a person continues to purge.
Here are some resources to learn more about looking for assistance for your bulimia:
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
- Consuming Condition Hope.
- Walden Center for Education and Research.
- Job Heal – Recovery is Possible.
Seek help
In addition to causing internal harm, bulimia can have destructive long-term, noticeable results on the body. The teeth and mouth are at high risk for infection and decay, which can be painful and unpleasant.
If you or someone you know suffers from bulimia, looking for assistance is the initial step in preventing irreversible damage to your teeth and body.