How Eating Disorders’ Affects on Your Mouth
When it comes to issues such as eating disorders, the first negative effect is seen on a person’s overall health. On the other hand, another rapid consequence is shown in the way the person’s dental health is affected as well. When dealing with an eating disorder, the first step is to identify the specific form of eating disorder that the individual suffers from.
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating are all forms of eating disorders that fall under the general category of common eating disorders. When a certain type of eating problem is identified, it will be much simpler to discover the appropriate treatment for that disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa – what is it?
People who suffer from anorexia nervosa have the misguided belief that taking in food would cause them to gain more weight. As a result, individuals cut back on the amount of food they eat, which deprives them of essential nutrients for maintaining good dental and overall health. Because these individuals avoid foods that are high in calories, they do not get the nutrients that are essential to maintaining excellent dental health.
What is bulimia?
The behaviour associated with bulimia disorder is consuming more food than is necessary during a meal and then making themselves vomit. Binging and purging are both aspects of this process. In many circumstances, this behavior has been proven to be detrimental to oral health.
What exactly is binge eating?
People who binge eat are characterized by the pattern of consuming excessive amounts of food. They consistently have a preference for consuming a significant amount of food. They will continue eating the meal until it becomes unpleasant for them, at which point they will consume it more quickly. These behaviors have a deleterious impact on the health of the individual.
What is the impact on dental health?
- Nutrient deficiency
The meals that we consume provide us with beneficial amounts of various nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and various sorts of vitamins. Oral problems like sores can develop when there is not enough iron in the body. Canker sores and poor breath are two of the issues that might result from not getting enough vitamin B3.
Tooth decay, gum disease such as gingivitis, and other oral health difficulties can all be caused by a lack of calcium, which is one of the essential minerals for maintaining good dental health.
- Damaged saliva glands
It is absolutely necessary to maintain an adequate volume of saliva in the mouth in order to protect the mouth from issues such as the formation of plaque. It is also beneficial in preventing the formation of other germs within the body. The production of saliva in the mouth might be negatively impacted when critical nutrients are lacking as a result of eating disorders. Plaque and other types of germs can form more quickly as a result, which can ultimately contribute to tooth decay.
- Erosion of enamel
Problems associated with eating disorders might also lead to other complications, such as vomiting. Teeth might become damaged because of the stomach acid that is present in the vomit. It works its way slowly through the enamel layer of the teeth, which ultimately results in its removal. The removal of the enamel layer or a reduction in its strength both hasten the process by which teeth deteriorate. Additionally, it has the potential to impact the pulp regions of the teeth, which can result in a variety of issues.
- Saliva gland enlargement
It has been shown that certain eating behaviours, such as binge eating, can lead to an enlargement of the salivary glands in certain people. The swollen glands in the individual are not healthy, and they might cause the person to experience emotional upheaval as a result.
- Sensitivity of the teeth
Problems associated with eating disorders frequently contribute to the sensitivity of teeth. In this scenario, the individual with the eating problem does not get enough of the nutrients they need to maintain good oral health. It further leads to increased sensitivity while consuming substances that are either hot or cold, or sweet or sugary.
These are some of the usual negative impacts that issues with eating disorders can have on an individual’s dental health. For more information, and to find out how a cosmetic dentist from Rose Dental Nashua can help, get in touch today.