The frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies that often accompany eating disorders can have severe consequences on one’s oral health. Studies have found that up to 89% of bulimic patients show signs of tooth erosion.
Surprisingly enough,it is often the pain and discomfort related to dental complications that first causes patients to consult with a health professional. Dental hygienists and dentists are often the first health professionals to observe signs and symptoms of disordered eating habits.
However, recent studies cite two deterrents to dental practitioners addressing eating concerns with their patients:
Lack of knowledge of the scope and severity of eating disorders, and
Lack of comfort in discussing their concerns or suspicions.
In spite of these deterrents, the role of dental practitioners in early detection, identification, and intervention is crucial.
Signs and Symptoms
Loss of tissue and erosive lesions on the surface of teeth due to the effects of acid. These lesions can appear as early as 6 months from the start of the problem.
Changes in the color, shape, and length of teeth. Teeth can become brittle, translucent, and weak.
Increased sensitivity to temperature. In extreme cases the pulp can be exposed and cause infection, discoloration, or even pulp death.
Enlargement of the salivary glands, dry mouth, and reddened, dry, cracked lips.
Tooth decay, which can actually be aggravated by extensive tooth brushing or rinsing following vomiting.
Unprovoked, spontaneous pain within a particular tooth.
Changes in the mouth are often the first physical signs of an eating disorder.
Click on a state below to find eating disorder treatment options that could be right for you.
For individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
The information provided on EatingDisordersOnline.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisordersOnline.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
.tiny.jpg "tiny")
Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com provides a network for those facing life's challenges. Click on the following links to get the support you need in a confidential, caring environment.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder and need help entering into recovery then we are here to offer help in any way we can. We have over 2,000 Treatment Facilities and Treatment Professionals listed on our Directory. You can search by Zip Code, City or State. Click here to search for a Treatment Facility that is right for you.
