Tooth Enamel Erosion
The presence of gastric acid in your mouth from regular vomiting may cause damage to your teeth and gums, most commonly teeth enamel erosion.
Dentist Dr. Brian McKay explains why almost a third of bulimia patients are first diagnosed through a dental visit. “The recurring vomiting of bulimia produces a distinctive teeth enamel erosion pattern that is like a signature in a person’s mouth. There is no other erosion pattern quite like it. We can tell if the person is relatively new or a chromic purger. There’s no way to stop the hydrochloric acid from the stomach stripping the teeth of protective enamel.”
Eating disorders also affect the mouth and teeth in other ways:
- Cavities
- Teeth Enamel Erosion
- Gum pain
- Dry mouth
- Chronic sore throat
- Inflamed esophagus
- Hoarsened
- Palatal hemorrhages
- Decreased saliva production
- Enlarged Parotid glands
- Problems swallowing
- Jaw alignment abnormalities
And as Dr. McKay explains, dental science and materials have progressed to the point where restoration can be successful, but only if the patients has stopped actively purging.
Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.