The Link Between Eating Disorder and Oral Health: What Role Can Dentists Play?
Not many people are aware that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate in the US among all the mental disorders. As per the statistics furnished by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, nearly 30 million US citizens of all ages and genders are suffering from different serious eating disorders including bulimia and anorexia.
It is important to mention here that there is a strong connection between the eating disorder and oral health. Apart from affecting the functioning of all the vital organs, eating disorders also affect periodontal health.
Before we move on to discuss the effects of eating disorders on oral health, it is important to have a quick look at some of its prevalent conditions.
Anorexia: It’s a condition where people severely cut down their dietary intake due to an irrational fear of gaining weight.
Bulimia: It is a cyclic condition of bingeing and purging. The affected person first impulsively devours in excess and then tries to get the food out of their system through forced vomiting and laxatives.
Binge-Eating: An affected person goes through phases of uncontrollable eating but without the urge of getting rid of the consumed food like bulimia patients.
Detrimental Effects of Anorexia and Bulimia for Oral Health
Bulimia and anorexia prove to be more detrimental to the oral health of the affected individuals.
Bulimia and Oral Health
Bulimia patients who do purging through premeditated vomiting actually expose their oral cavity to stomach acid repeatedly. Excessive acidic exposure can lead to the following conditions.
- Sensitive teeth with depleted enamel
- More instances of tooth pulp infection and cavities
Dry mouth, salivary gland inflammation, and difficulty in swallowing are also some of the oral health implications of bulimia.
Anorexia and Oral Health
Anorexic patients face acute mineral deficiency, which can result in these complications in the oral cavity.
- Bone degradation in the jaws
- Frequent gum inflammation and bleeding
- Cankers sores and bad breath
Role of Dentists
Dentists can help in minimizing the toll eating disorders take on one’s health. They do this by providing solutions to protect gum and teeth from the above-mentioned consequences of eating disorders. They provide oral care to eating disorder patients through different measures.
- They recommend highly potent fluoride gels and toothpaste for strengthening the tooth enamel. This helps in minimizing tooth cavities and erosion.
- They can also prescribe products to treat mouth dryness and bad breath.
- For people suffering from bulimia, dentists prescribe mouthguards for protecting their teeth from the stomach acid.
- Dentists can also help in finding therapists that offer specialized treatments to address the underlying causes of different eating disorders.
An eating disorder is a serious involuntary problem that severely affects the quality of life of the affected people. So, it is imperative that one should try his/her best to limit its wide-ranging detriments effects. A part of this care entails the protection of your oral health. For more information regarding oral health, give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today!
We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!