Eating Disorders and dental health

As estimated by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), there are 30 million people who suffer from an eating disorder in the United States of America. This figure reached 70 million worldwide. In a country, where one in every ten people receive treatment, eating disorders often take a backseat.
These disorders affect men, women, adults and children alike. They are extremely dangerous for the physical and mental health of the individuals affected. Recent studies show that these disorders also affect oral health. 

Eating disorders

There are numerous kinds of eating disorders. The symptom of each disorder is unique and affects the individuals in their own way. Some of the common eating disorders include:

• Binge Eating
• Bulimia
• Anorexia

Signs

As a dentist, we are often the first people who suspect an eating disorder. Generally, the patients, come in either dental implants for tooth decay. We often see signs of eating disorders. The signs generally include:

• Enlarged salivary glands
• Tooth decay
• Sensitivity
• Translucent teeth
• Brittle and fragile teeth

How is oral health affected?

One of the main problems that make eating disorders a concern is the scarcity of nutrients. As the individuals afflicted with the disorders cannot take a balanced diet, their oral health suffers along with physical and mental health. Without the balanced diet, the gums bleed a lot, the salivary glands decrease their production leading to the dry mouth and with incessant vomiting, the enamel of the teeth weakens. 

Another concern is when the bulimics binge on the food and drinks that are high in their sugar content. The sugar in the food and drinks not only releases the acid on the drinks but hardens the plaque. The weak enamel of the teeth is exposed to stomach acid making it incredibly weak. 

The vomiting also results in severe swelling of the tonsils. Even the soft palate of the mouth gets affected and the tongue swells extremely.

Limiting the damage on teeth

The people who are afflicted with the eating disorder need to seek help from the professional as soon as possible. With therapists, you can begin to regain your physical and mental health. For your dental health, the experts at North Island Dental Arts have the following advice:

• Don't brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. It will damage the enamel more.
• Make sure you rinse with water to limit the damage.
• Keep your visits regular to your dentist.

Treatments

As advised the people afflicted with the eating disorder should visit their dentist regularly and get the regime decided. The damage caused to the teeth is real. The damage includes the erosion of tooth enamel, extreme decay, enamel erosion, bleeding gums, and other gum diseases. 

The treatment will include root canaling, dental implants, extraction of bad teeth, filling and gum treatment. As each case is different, the course of treatment will be different.

If you are looking for dental implants in Long Island, call us at 516-616-4800 to book an appointment. We are renowned experts for dental implants in Long Island