Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have devastating effects on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

They are characterized by severe disturbances in eating patterns and behaviors, often leading to significant weight loss or gain.

While there are many well-known physical symptoms of eating disorders, such as rapid weight loss or gain, extreme fatigue, and changes in skin and hair quality, there is one symptom that is not often talked about – changes in dental health.

What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are a group of mental illnesses characterized by extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors related to food, body weight, and body shape.

They affect people of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities, but are most common in young women.

There are three main types of eating disorders:.

Anorexia nervosa – characterized by a fear of weight gain, a distorted body image, and an obsessive desire to be thin.
Bulimia nervosa – characterized by binge eating followed by purging through vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Binge-eating disorder – characterized by frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt.

How Eating Disorders Affect Dental Health

Eating disorders can have a significant impact on dental health due to the frequent purging behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder, as well as the extreme dietary restrictions and nutritional deficiencies associated with anorexia nervosa.

Tooth Decay and Erosion

Stomach acid is highly acidic and when it repeatedly comes into contact with teeth, it can cause significant damage.

People with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder who purge after meals expose their teeth to stomach acid, which can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.

Anorexia nervosa can also contribute to tooth decay and erosion due to the lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet, such as calcium and vitamin D, which are necessary for strong and healthy teeth.

Cavities and Infections

People with eating disorders are often consuming large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates, which can contribute to cavities and tooth decay.

Additionally, frequent vomiting and purging can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, leading to gum disease and infections.

Tooth Sensitivity and Pain

As tooth enamel erodes due to stomach acid exposure, teeth can become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This can lead to pain and discomfort when eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.

Changes in Tooth Appearance

Changes in tooth appearance can be a tell-tale sign of an eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder may have eroded, yellowed, or chipped teeth from the repeated exposure to stomach acid.

People with anorexia nervosa may have teeth that appear translucent due to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet.

What Can be Done to Improve Dental Health?

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider and a registered dietitian.

Additionally, there are steps that can be taken to improve dental health, including:.

Using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel
Using a fluoride mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath
Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals
Brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and prevent cavities
Visiting the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups

Conclusion

Holistic treatment of eating disorders must include attention to dental health to prevent serious long-term damage. Therefore, dental professionals can recognize the tell-tale signs of eating disorders and refer patients to specialists as needed.

Educating individuals with eating disorders about the importance of maintaining healthy dental hygiene can also play a key role in treatment and recovery.