Bulimia Effect on Teeth, Steps That Can Affect Teeth’s Health

1. Bulimia Effect on Teeth, Steps That Can Affect Teeth’s Health Dietary habits have a direct link with oral health. If a person is taking a healthy meal, it will be better for his body as well as teeth. Eating disorders may result in lingering or permanent damage to both teeth and mouth. If the disorder is found early, there are brighter chances for the body and teeth to get recovered. There is an eating disorder named as bulimia where people binges, i.e., take a large amount of food in a short interval of time and then purges like vomiting, exercising, attempting to rid their bodies of all the extra calories, or using diuretics or laxatives. An eating disorder can create lingering and a person can get permanent damage to its teeth if not detected on time. Early detection can ensure a successful and smoother recovery period for both teeth and body.

2. Dental Effects Nutrition is eagerly important to our body. If it is not found properly, gums and other soft tissues inside the mouth can bleed easily. The glands which originate saliva may swell and one may experience chronic dry mouth. Those who get engaged in purging, develop the chances of scratches and redness. Even there might be damage in the upper surface inside the mouth, known as soft palate. Degenerative arthritis can be associated with eating disorders. It can be stated as a dental complication when it is within the temporomandibular joint in the jaw.

3. Impact Of Food Restriction Restriction of food may lead towards nutritional deficiency. Calcium, B vitamins and iron are those nutrients which promote oral health. If there is a deficiency of calcium in our body, there may be an impact over oral health as it can promote gum disease and tooth decay. Iron is very beneficial for oral health as it can foster the development of sores in the mouth. Bad breath and production of canker sores can be due to an insufficient amount of vitamin B3. The gum which takes the colour of red and becomes swollen, like a glossy look, is a sign of gingivitis. The lips may become dry, cracked or reddened and the mouth can also become extremely dry due to dehydration. That’s why it is mandatory for the people to intake a suitable amount of calcium so that it could save their body and mouth from various problems.

4. Steps That Can Affect Teeth’s Health Self-Induced Vomiting Many people do not notice that self-induced vomiting can lead to different types of serious health issues like ulcers, anemia, irregular menstrual cycles, gastrointestinal problems, blood pressure irregularities along with many dental problems. If a person vomits, a large amount of stomach acid is brought up. Such acids are however responsible for breaking down of food in the stomach so that the body can digest it, but these acids are corrosive in the case of a mouth and it can wear away the dental enamel, which is the outermost covering of the teeth.

5. Our enamel proves to be a safeguard that restricts the tooth from decay, fractures, and sensitivity. As the enamel is worn away, more chances of sensitivity arise whenever we take hot or cold foods. If the outer layer of enamel starts disappearing, there may be damage to the dentin, which is the second layer of tooth structure that protects the nerve. This layer is more prone to break down and can’t be left unprotected or untreated in the mouth. Vomiting may affect the teeth’s colour. As the erosion progresses, the teeth may result in becoming more brittle, weaker and prone towards fracture. Even frequent vomiting can create bleeding, sores and gum infection on the angles of the lips. One may find some negative effects on the mouth as it can also cause enlargement of the salivary glands along the lower jawbone along with front-side of the ear that can cause a different look. Those who are suffering from bulimia have a higher risk of infection and decay to their mouth. Even the high acid content may remove gingival tissues from the mouth and leave painful sores. Sometimes gingival surgeries are needed to repair the missing tissue. Purging is also responsible for causing a reduction in saliva that can result in dry or cracked lips, dry mouth, and burning sensation in the mouth, especially on the tongue.

6. Cavities Those who are suffering from bulimia and consume high sugar containing foods can develop the risk of cavities. However, those who vomit have more risk for cavities due to additional stomach acid. Dentists have found a higher incidence of cavities in those who have been trapped in this eating disorder. People who get engaged in spitting or chewing can also face dental problems like cavities or tooth decay.

7. Treatment Bulimia can cause internal harm and a person may have damaging long term, visible effects on his body. The mouth and teeth are at high risk of getting infected or decayed that can be painful and unsightly. Proper home care along with professional cleaning with a dental hygienist becomes very important to treat bulimia. Those who think that brushing immediately after vomiting is a good habit to adopt, we must tell them to remove this perspective from their mind as it can cause further abrasion to the tooth enamel. Instead, one can go for rinsing their mouth with water or can add some baking soda with it so that it will neutralize the acids in the mouth. If you are facing bulimia, good dental care is a priority. Don’t try to feel embarrassed about consulting your problems with the dentist. Try to visit their clinic as it will be helpful for you in preventing tooth loss or other painful dental problems. A dentist can prove to be the best person for you in identifying the signs and symptoms of bulimia. There are different types of treatments regarding this eating disorder that can be implemented for a person. They will possibly try to do their best in order to remove out this problem, but it becomes your duty as well that you try to take care of your oral hygiene.