The Effects of Eating Disorders on Dental Health

Eating disorders are psychological struggles that affect nearly 8 million Americans, and while they are extremely dangerous for the body and potentially life-threatening, they will also wreak havoc on dental health. Your local dental experts can explain the effects that different types of eating disorders in Rockledge can have on oral health.

How Do Eating Disorders Affect Oral Health?

The most common association with eating disorders is the idea of abstaining from eating altogether, however, there are other disorders such as binge-eating and bulimia that are just as (or more) harmful to the body and mouth. Here’s how the different disorders affect the gums and teeth:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia, which involves abstaining from food, is likely the most commonly known disorder. It is extremely harmful because it robs the body of essential nutrition that is needed for survival. Its effects on oral health include severe calcium deficiency, which eventually leads to bone loss in the jaw and the breakdown of tooth enamel. The lack of necessary vitamins and minerals can also cause a weakened immune system, leading to sores in the mouth.
• Bulimia Nervosa: This disorder involves the physical purging of food, often after eating copious amounts. Over time, the stomach acid that comes in contact with the teeth can wear down the enamel and cause teeth to become translucent and highly sensitive. The breakdown of enamel makes teeth more susceptible to cavities. The gums can also be affected due to dehydration and bacteria build-up, which can cause infection leading to gum disease. In addition to being harmful to the teeth and gums, Bulimia can cause dry mouth, cracked lips, and swollen salivary glands, which can cause difficulty when swallowing.
• Binge-Eating: Although it doesn’t involve abstaining or eliminating food from the body, it can be just as harmful to the teeth. Binge-eating is characterized by the frequent, excessive consumption of food in a short time frame. It is often spurred on by psychological stress or guilt from prior binge-eating episodes. It may not necessarily rob the body of nutrients from food, but the more a person eats, the higher the risks for tooth decay and plaque build-up are. Over time, the wear and tear on the teeth, gums, and jaw can cause gum disease, tooth loss, and damage to the joints of the jawbone.

Regardless of the type, each eating disorder is a very dangerous and sometimes life-threatening psychological condition that threatens both oral and overall health. If you or a loved one are struggling, don’t wait to reach out for help. While they are not psychiatric professionals, dentists can be strong allies in the recovery process by providing further education and helping to protect the teeth.

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar is your local dentist in Rockledge who leads the team of professionals at Premier Walk-In Dental. She is a compassionate and well-educated expert in the field of dentistry. It is her top priority that all of her patients are educated and have the tools they need to maintain good oral health. She has experience treating a multitude of different oral conditions, and building long-lasting, trusted relationships with her patients is one of her favorite parts about being a dentist. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, we invite you to visit us online or call (321) 631-4334.