EATING DISORDERS: A COMPLEX COMPULSION YOUR DENTIST CAN SPOT dentist in beavercreek

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​An eating disorder is a complex compulsion to eat in a way that disturbs physical, mental, and psychological health.  The 3 most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.  The eating may be excessive (compulsive over-eating); restrictive, or may include normal eating punctuated with episodes of purging (such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, diuretics, or diet pills.)  The eating may include cycles of binging and purging, or may encompass the ingesting of non-foods (such as dirt, clay, or chalk.)  Each of these disorders rob

s the body of adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients needed for good health and may cause injury to teeth, muscles, and major organs.  Obviously, a serious issue that should be addressed.

“Eating disorders have serious implications for oral health and overall health”, says Shannon Mills, DDS, Vice President of Professional Relations and Science at Northeast Delta Dental.  “Stomach acids can damage teeth with repeated exposures during purging for those with bulimia nervosa.  For those with anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by self-induced starvation, poor nutrition can affect oral health by increasing the risk for periodontal (gum) diseases.”

As many as 35 million men, women, and children suffer from eating disorders in the United States.  Dentists are becoming the first line of defense when it comes to detecting eating disorders in patients, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. For example, although parents may not recognize that their child is anorexic or bulimic, they are often still taking the child to a dentist on a regular schedule and the dentist may spot the oral signs of the disease.

Bad breath, sensitive teeth, and eroded tooth enamel are just a few of the signs that dentists use to determine whether a patient suffers from an eating disorder.  Other signs include teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent, mouth sores, dry mouth, cracked lips, bleeding gums, and tender mouth, throat, and salivary glands.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, studies have found up to 89 percent of bulimic patients have signs of tooth erosion due to the effects of stomach acid.  Over time, this loss of tooth enamel can be considerable, and the teeth change color, shape, and length.  If you suspect or have been told that a family member could have an eating disorder don’t wait.  Seek care from a professional to help manage this illness.

On a lighter note, remember it is NEVER to late to fix your smile.  Visit our Website to learn about all of the options we provide.  And we are VERY social!  Visit our Facebook Page, Pinterest Page, and our Google + Page for a wealth of information on all things Dental, with some humor thrown in for good measure!

(Reprinted in part from the website:  www.nedelta.com/oral-health-and-wellness/adult)

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