Eating disorders, such as restrictive eating, self-induced vomiting, binge eating, and misuse of laxatives or diuretics, can harm your mouth and teeth. While your dentist may be able to spot evidence of these issues in the condition of your teeth during regular check-ups, it is most helpful for your own health if you can let them know about these difficulties in your conversation. There is no judgement, and your dentist is well positioned to help you turn down the impact this difficult situation has on your oral health.
Discussing your eating habits with your dentist will give them the contextual understanding they need to offer tailored advice for protecting your teeth and gums. Additionally, they can connect you with other healthcare providers who can be pivotal in addressing the underlying eating disorder and its causes. Remember, you are not alone, and seeking help is a positive step towards better health.
What’s the dental impact of eating disorders?
Eating disorders can cause a number of problems for your oral health. Here’s how it happens:
Tooth damage
When you vomit, your stomach acid meets your teeth. This acid is very strong and can erode your enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth. Over time, this erosion can make your teeth weak and more likely to chip. The colour of your teeth might also change, becoming darker or more translucent as the enamel wears away.
Increased cavities
As the enamel erodes and teeth weaken, it gets easier for cavities to begin. With the strong protective enamel gone, bacteria can more easily cause tooth decay, leading to cavities.
Sensitivity
Erosion of the enamel and exposure of the underlying layers of your teeth can make them feel uncomfortably sensitive to temperature changes. When this happens, eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages may make you feel discomfort or pain.
Slow healing gums
Eating disorders often lead to poor nutrition, which means your body misses out on getting the vitamins and minerals you need for healthy gums. This can slow down the healing process for any cuts, sores, or infections in your mouth, making it harder for your gums to recover from damage.
Throat and lip issues
When you vomit often, it can irritate and damage the back of your throat, causing soreness. Additionally, dehydration and malnutrition can lead to a decrease in saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth. Cracked lips and swollen salivary glands are other common issues. The lack of adequate saliva can also increase the risk of tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
How can you keep your mouth healthy?
For every aspect of your life, it’s important that you take care of your mouth. This is especially true if you’re dealing with an eating disorder, so here are some tips to help maintain your oral health:
Drink water
Keeping your hydration levels up is great for overall health and particularly important for your oral health. Drinking water, especially tap water with fluoride, helps to wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Fluoride in water helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in your mouth.
Fluoride toothpaste
Using toothpaste with a higher fluoride content can be a great way to protect your teeth, rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. Fluoride is especially beneficial if your teeth have been weakened by stomach acid due to vomiting. Toothpaste which contains toothpaste can provide an extra layer of protection, making your teeth more resilient.
How to care for teeth right after you vomit
If you’ve just vomited, it’s important to take special care of your teeth to avoid further damage:
Avoid brushing immediately: The stomach acid that comes up during vomiting can soften the enamel on your teeth. Brushing right away can wear away this softened enamel, causing more damage.
Rinse your mouth: Instead of brushing, rinse your mouth with water, milk, or a fluoride mouthwash. This helps to neutralise the acid and wash it away without damaging your enamel. Milk can be particularly soothing as it neutralises acid and contains calcium which is good for your teeth.
Get to the dentist regularly
Visit your dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings, and more often if you are concerned. Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining oral health, especially if you are dealing with an eating disorder. During these visits, your dentist can:
Monitor your oral health: When you visit your dentist, they look for signs of damage or disease, and provide early treatment if needed.
Professional cleaning: Professional cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing might miss.
Advice and support: Your dentist can offer personalised advice on how to care for your teeth and gums, and support you in managing any oral health issues related to your eating disorder.
Assembling your recovery team
Recovering from an eating disorder is easier when your other health needs are well cared for, and it’s a journey that you don’t have to take alone. Reach out for help early, as this can significantly aid your recovery process. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, here are some compassionate steps to take:
Reach out to your family doctor (GP)
Your family doctor is a great first point of contact. They can provide a safe and confidential space to discuss your concerns and symptoms. Your GP can offer initial advice and support, assess your general health and refer you to other specialists for comprehensive care.
Access resources and support services
The National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) is an excellent resource for finding information and support. They offer evidence-based information on managing eating disorders and provide guidance on recovery. This Australia-wide initiative can help you find support services in your state or territory, including counselling services, support groups and educational materials.
Reclaiming your health
Nobody should walk the journey of life alone, and this is especially true of eating disorders. With the right support and treatment, recovery from eating disorders is within your grasp. It’s more than okay to ask for help and lean on others for support. Recovery is a process, and every step you take towards seeking help brings you closer to a healthier, happier life.
When you get the support and knowledge about how to recover from eating disorders while maintaining your oral health, you discover greater strength to overcome this. There are many people ready to support you every step of the way, and your dentist is one important player on your team. Take that first step today by reaching out for help and you will be so glad you did! We are here for you, and we believe your health and well-being are worth every effort to restore, protect and enhance. Let’s work together for your health!
