More than 10 million men, women and, yes, children, have eating disorders in the U.S. Dentists and dental hygienists are often on the front line of spotting eating disorders, especially bulimia.
The changes in the mouth for those with bulimia are often recognizable. Frequent vomiting may cause your salivary glands to swell and the tissues of your mouth and tongue to become dry, red and sore. People with bulimia may have chronic sore throat and small hemorrhages under the skin of the palate.
The vomiting often associated with bulimia can be very harmful to your teeth. Vomit has many acids that contribute to tooth erosion. Stomach acid eats away at the enamel that protects your teeth from the bacteria that causes dental cavities. In fact, 89 percent of people with bulimia show signs of tooth erosion.
Erosion can drastically change the color, size and shape of your teeth. Severe erosion can lead to changes in your bite, or the way your upper and lower teeth come together.
Frequent vomiting can also lead to sensitive teeth; dry mouth and red, cracked lips –all signs that your dentist is trained to recognize as side effects of bulimia.
Many people with bulimia may be malnourished, which can cause anemia, poor healing and increase the risk of periodontal (gum) disease.
So what should you do if your dentist suspects trouble for you or a loved one?
If your dentist suggests your child may have this eating disorder, don’t panic. Seek help from experts. With a little help from nutritionists, therapists and doctors, your child may be able to recover from this physical and psychological health issue.
During the treatment of your eating disorder, it may take a while to control the episodes of induced vomiting. To reduce damage, rinse your mouth with baking soda mixed in water or a mouthwash containing fluoride, which your dentist can prescribe. Don’t brush your teeth immediately after vomiting because stomach acid weakens tooth enamel and brushing can cause erosion of the enamel. When you do brush, use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Dental treatment can be an important part of treatment for your bulimia. Once your bulimia is under control, you may need to have some of your teeth restored or replaced with bridges, veneers, implants or other procedures. The good news is that with help, change is possible.