Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, can have devastating effects on your health, including your teeth.
Anorexia is marked by an extreme restriction on how much is eaten, while bulimia is associated with binging and purging, or vomiting after eating. The effects on teeth and oral hygiene are:
- Tooth erosion
Caused by stomach acid in vomit and by lack of nutrition, many people who suffer from eating disorders suffer from tooth erosion. Teeth that have eroded might chip easily, appear translucent, and become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. If enamel has been lost, some restoration techniques include veneers and crowns.
- Tooth decay
Eating disorders often cause nutritional deficiencies, including calcium. If your body needs calcium and doesn’t have it, it will draw calcium from bones and teeth, possibly leading to tooth decay.
- Increased risk of infection in the gums
Other nutritional deficiencies caused by eating disorders are a lack of vitamin D and iron, which are necessary to fight infection. Without proper nutrients, there is an increased risk of gum disease.
- Dry mouth
Highly restrictive eating and frequent vomiting can cause the salivary glands to swell and decrease production. Saliva neutralizes the acid in your mouth and without it, there is an increased risk for tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
Help and support is necessary for recovery, so if you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please let your healthcare provider know.
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Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, can have devastating effects on your health, including your teeth.
Anorexia is marked by an extreme restriction on how much is eaten, while bulimia is associated with binging and purging, or vomiting after eating. The effects on teeth and oral hygiene are:
- Tooth erosion
Caused by stomach acid in vomit and by lack of nutrition, many people who suffer from eating disorders suffer from tooth erosion. Teeth that have eroded might chip easily, appear translucent, and become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. If enamel has been lost, some restoration techniques include veneers and crowns.
- Tooth decay
Eating disorders often cause nutritional deficiencies, including calcium. If your body needs calcium and doesn’t have it, it will draw calcium from bones and teeth, possibly leading to tooth decay.
- Increased risk of infection in the gums
Other nutritional deficiencies caused by eating disorders are a lack of vitamin D and iron, which are necessary to fight infection. Without proper nutrients, there is an increased risk of gum disease.
- Dry mouth
Highly restrictive eating and frequent vomiting can cause the salivary glands to swell and decrease production. Saliva neutralizes the acid in your mouth and without it, there is an increased risk for tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
Help and support is necessary for recovery, so if you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please let your healthcare provider know.
Oral Health
Related Articles
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, can have devastating effects on your health, including your teeth.
Anorexia is marked by an extreme restriction on how much is eaten, while bulimia is associated with binging and purging, or vomiting after eating. The effects on teeth and oral hygiene are:
- Tooth […]
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Symptoms of Dry Mouth
Saliva helps us swallow, speak, taste, and digest. If you have a dry mouth, you can experience symptoms such as:- A dry mouth and tongue
- A tingling or burning […]
Share This Article, Choose Your Platform!
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, can have devastating effects on your health, including your teeth.
Anorexia is marked by an extreme restriction on how much is eaten, while bulimia is associated with binging and purging, or vomiting after eating. The effects on teeth and oral hygiene are:
- Tooth erosion
Caused by stomach acid in vomit and by lack of nutrition, many people who suffer from eating disorders suffer from tooth erosion. Teeth that have eroded might chip easily, appear translucent, and become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. If enamel has been lost, some restoration techniques include veneers and crowns.
- Tooth decay
Eating disorders often cause nutritional deficiencies, including calcium. If your body needs calcium and doesn’t have it, it will draw calcium from bones and teeth, possibly leading to tooth decay.
- Increased risk of infection in the gums
Other nutritional deficiencies caused by eating disorders are a lack of vitamin D and iron, which are necessary to fight infection. Without proper nutrients, there is an increased risk of gum disease.
- Dry mouth
Highly restrictive eating and frequent vomiting can cause the salivary glands to swell and decrease production. Saliva neutralizes the acid in your mouth and without it, there is an increased risk for tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
Help and support is necessary for recovery, so if you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, please let your healthcare provider know.
Oral Health
Related Articles
Due to changes in hormones, pregnant women might be more susceptible to oral health conditions, like gingivitis, tooth decay, and pregnancy tumors.
Pregnancy gingivitis affects nearly 40% of pregnant women and looks like:
- Red and swollen gums
- Sensitivity of gums and teeth
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease, […]
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important for diabetics, as they have an increased risk of developing oral infection and periodontal disease.
Diabetes is a health condition that makes it difficult to manage blood sugar levels, and as a result, can lead to high levels of sugar in the blood and saliva. […]