Your Eating Disorder and Teeth - What You Need to Know

Your mouth reveals a lot about your overall wellness. As medical science has established, your oral health and general health are closely related. While your doctor is generally the person you expect to detect evidence of disease, your dentist may discover early signs and symptoms even sooner. In fact, dentists are often the first to recognize signs of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Erosion of teeth and other signs of eating disorders often manifest first in the mouth, and they may develop early in the course of the illness.

Telltale Signs of Eating Disorders

Common dental symptoms associated with eating disorders include swollen salivary glands, cavities, dry mouth, erosion of teeth, tooth sensitivity, and mouth sores. Bulimia effects on teeth are usually related to repeated, self-induced vomiting that exposes teeth to potent stomach acids that eat away at enamel. Brushing after vomiting intensifies the damage. Multiple cavities in a short period of time can be another sign that your eating disorder and teeth have crossed paths.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Eating Disorders?

The majority of people who suffer from eating disorders are females ranging from 12 to 25 years of age. Statistics reveal that up to 10 percent of anorexia victims die within 10 years of developing the disorder. Another 20 percent die within the next 20 years, and only 30 to 40 percent achieve a full recovery. People at highest risk of eating disorders include those whose careers depend on aesthetic factors or weight such as athletes, dancers, models, and actors. However, anyone can be affected. Anorexia and bulimia effects on teeth are minor compared to their impact on your general health. Inadequate nutrition eventually results in poor general health, depressed immune function, and organ failure.

Your Eating Disorder and Teeth Trouble: How Your Dentist Can Help

If you think you may have an eating disorder, discuss it openly with your dentist. Although dental professionals can’t treat the underlying cause of your condition, they can help you find treatment resources, and offer tips and suggestions to help reduce the ongoing erosion of teeth and other damage to your teeth while you recover.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Florida, call Towncare Dental today at 866.883.8859 or make an appointment.

Towncare Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Florida. Our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Towncare Dental, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Towncare Dental.