How Eating Disorders Affect Your Oral Health
Tooth damage and gum disease can be the result of eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia.
A practicing anorexic person is depriving their body of vital nutrients needed for strong healthy bones. This can lead to osteoporosis and weaken bones that support the teeth and softening of tooth enamel.
Bulimics practice compulsive overeating and regurgitating. Acids from the stomach passing through the mouth rapidly damage to tooth surfaces which leads to discolouration and chipping.
Your Glen Waverley dentist can treat tooth and gum issues such as gingivitis, dental cavities, and erosion of enamel, but they can not treat behavoural problems. It is extremely important to treat the root causes of eating disorders in order to stop escalating dental problems.
Your dentist can provide you with a dental plan to help repair any damage that may have resulted from an eating disorder. Cosmetic dentistry and improved home care training, combined with cessation of the problem behaviour, can be highly beneficial and increase motivation for the patient.
If you or someone you know suffers from an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to consult your dental professional for help in finding treatment of the underlying causes of eating disorders, and for treatment of any oral problems resulting from the condition.
Contact us today on (03) 9887 8787 or book your appointment online
