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Bulimia

Dec 10
Woman rinsing her mouth with mouthwash

Bulimia and Teeth: Side Effects, Considerations and Treatments

By Bulimia, Bulimia and Teeth, Eating Disorders and Teeth, Oral Health, Tooth Decay No Comments

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves a cycle of binging and purging, which refers to binge eating followed by using compensatory behavior, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, fasting or using diet pills or diuretics to rid the body of calories. It’s a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect all aspects of your health, including your oral health, particularly if you practice self-induced vomiting. While the effects of bulimia on the teeth can be significant, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Today we’ll be covering everything you need to know about bulimia and teeth from the oral health side effects of the disorder to the treatment options available to restore your smile.
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Jun 04

Does stomach acid damage porcelain crowns?

By Bulimia, Implant Dentistry, Porcelain Crown

I’m bulimic and I know that the acid from vomiting damages tooth enamel. Does continued vomiting damage porcelain crowns? A.

A. – Porcelain crowns are much more durable than your natural teeth and can withstand repeated exposure to stomach acid. In addition to damaging your natural teeth, repeated vomiting can damage your throat, esophagus, and lower jaw. Stomach acid from gastrointestinal reflux disease can cause similar damage.

Thoroughly rinse your mouth to neutralize the acid. If possible, professional assistance should be sought to help decrease the episodes of vomiting or to stop them completely. Your dentist will be very understanding in helping you minimize the damage to your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Nov 27

I’m bulimic. How can I preserve my teeth?

By Bulimia, Implant Dentistry

I wish I could say that I am recovering from bulimia but I am not. I am struggling. I do well for a few months, and then I slip back into the habit again. I can see the effect on my teeth. Is there anything I do to preserve my teeth? – Kaye

Kaye – There are some steps you can take to preserve your teeth. Rinse your mouth often—especially after vomiting. Avoid brushing your teeth right after vomiting, because your teeth are in a weakened state. Brushing your teeth will only weaken them further.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, so ask your dentist for prescription-strength fluoridated toothpaste. Your dentist will determine if fluoride treatments will be beneficial.

Continue to work on your recovery. If the damage to your teeth is extensive, be assured that your smile can be restored with porcelain crowns or dental implants.

Be open with your dentist and work with him or her to preserve your teeth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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