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Eating Disorders Versus Oral Health

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eating-disorders fast food
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • February 11, 2021

 

WHEN WE THINK of the damage that eating disorders can do, we probably first think of the psychological toll and life-threatening malnutrition. However, eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia can also be very hard on the oral health of those who struggle with them. Healthy teeth and gums require a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in addition to regular brushing and flossing, so not eating well or enough is a serious problem.

How Malnutrition Harms Oral Tissues

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by extremely limited food intake, which may be paired with compulsive exercising, purging, or even both. The way anorexia harms oral health is through malnutrition. The bones of the jaw can develop osteoporosis without sufficient nutrients, which increases the risk of tooth loss.

Without enough fluids, the salivary glands can’t produce enough saliva, resulting in dry mouth. Dry mouth makes both tooth decay and gum disease more likely because we need our saliva to neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Finally, without the nutrients to keep the immune system strong, the gums become more vulnerable to bleeding.

Bulimia and Acid Erosion of the Teeth

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by first overeating, then forcibly purging food through vomiting or laxatives. This puts strong stomach acid in frequent contact with the tooth enamel. Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it is highly vulnerable to erosion from acid. It isn’t uncommon for someone struggling with bulimia to experience tooth discoloration, decay, and even tooth loss due to their disorder.

Protecting Your Oral Health

We all need good oral hygiene routines to keep our teeth and gums healthy, our breath minty fresh, and our smiles sparkling, but it’s especially important for those battling with or recovering from an eating disorder. Anyone whose teeth are frequently exposed to stomach acid can minimize erosion by rinsing with water initially and then waiting thirty minutes before brushing. It’s important to give the saliva time to neutralize leftover acid so that brushing doesn’t cause additional erosion.

Here are a few signs to watch for if you’re worried someone you love might be developing an eating disorder:

You Aren’t Alone in This Fight

An eating disorder is a mental illness, and recovery is often a long road that requires help and support. That could come in the form of sympathetic family members or friends or licensed psychiatrists. Another great resource is the National Eating Disorders Helpline. And, of course, dental health professionals are always here to help patients keep their teeth and gums healthy through mental and physical health challenges they face.

We’re invested in our patients’ overall health!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Shawna B.
My son is a patient and everyone is so nice and very Great with Patients.Dr is amazing and always so good at explaining everything...I would refer these Drs and Nurses 100 times over...Thank You all for everything you do to make sure my babys have a beautiful smile...😁
Shawna B.
My son is a patient and everyone is so nice and very Great with Patients.Dr is amazing and always so good at explaining everything...I would refer these Drs and Nurses 100 times over...Thank You all for everything you do to make sure my babys have a beautiful smile...😁
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Three of my children are patients of this office and I have to say that the staff and drs are all very polite & courteous. They really take the time to explain everything to their patients in ways that make sense for every age.
Norenea C.
Three of my children are patients of this office and I have to say that the staff and drs are all very polite & courteous. They really take the time to explain everything to their patients in ways that make sense for every age.
Lisa L.
My daughter, Gabi, goes to the Teays Valley/Hurricane office. She’s not had anything but good experiences. Everyone is super nice from the receptionist to the doctor. She’s having a great experience with her braces. The hygienist is always super helpful with any questions we may have. They have been amazing through all of my daughters care so far.
Lisa L.
My daughter, Gabi, goes to the Teays Valley/Hurricane office. She’s not had anything but good experiences. Everyone is super nice from the receptionist to the doctor. She’s having a great experience with her braces. The hygienist is always super helpful with any questions we may have. They have been amazing through all of my daughters care so far.
Jane E.
It isn't always easy to find providers that are especially patient and kind to patients with special needs. This group ALWAYS go put of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The staff is wonderful! We are extremely blessed to have the orthodontic cate we need from this business.
Jane E.
It isn't always easy to find providers that are especially patient and kind to patients with special needs. This group ALWAYS go put of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. The staff is wonderful! We are extremely blessed to have the orthodontic cate we need from this business.
Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Autumn C.
My sons had appointments to get braces put on and mouthpiece to help with overbite issues. The staff was phenomenal when it came to helping and comforting my child with autism and they were super friendly at making my youngest fill comfortable every time we’ve visited them. Highly recommend them!!
Autumn C.
My sons had appointments to get braces put on and mouthpiece to help with overbite issues. The staff was phenomenal when it came to helping and comforting my child with autism and they were super friendly at making my youngest fill comfortable every time we’ve visited them. Highly recommend them!!
Amber P.
Very friendly and welcoming staff. My son was nervous, but they made him feel safe and excited about getting braces. I would highly recommend Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics to anyone in need of braces.
Amber P.
Very friendly and welcoming staff. My son was nervous, but they made him feel safe and excited about getting braces. I would highly recommend Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics to anyone in need of braces.
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Genesa J.
I truly believe they have the patient's best interest in mind. My daughter's previous orthodontist pressured us to start services for her at a very young age. The honesty, care and treatment we have experienced from Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics has been phenomenal.
Genesa J.
I truly believe they have the patient's best interest in mind. My daughter's previous orthodontist pressured us to start services for her at a very young age. The honesty, care and treatment we have experienced from Holmes & Palmer Orthodontics has been phenomenal.
Stacy N.
My daughter always feels safe and listened to when getting treatment! Her teeth look amazing.
Stacy N.
My daughter always feels safe and listened to when getting treatment! Her teeth look amazing.
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