Eating disorders are severe conditions that affect millions of people around the world. Patients with these conditions may feel compelled to limit food intake or exercise excessively to maintain low weight or improve physical condition. Eating too little or exercising too much can have serious health consequences, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders, leading to dental health problems.
The main symptoms of each condition are discussed below:
What is anorexia?
People with anorexia also tend to be obsessed with food and food labels and can develop a fear of gaining weight. They may starve themselves, force themselves to vomit or take laxatives or enemas to lose weight. Some people with anorexia become so concerned about their body weight. Because people with anorexia often have an obsession with food and weight, they may also develop dental problems caused by their restricted diet.
What is bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa sufferers also develop oral health issues. When you are in a cycle of binge eating, the level of saliva in your mouth drops because your stomach and mouth are empty. This can lead to dry mouth, which can increase your risk for oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease and impact your tongue and oral tissues, increasing your chances of oral diseases, such as mouth cancer. However, treating eating disorders can help improve your oral health.
What is a binge eating disorder?
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder in which people may gain weight quickly and easily and often feel out of control with their eating habits. People with BED may struggle with the motivation to eat appropriate meals and may feel disgusted with themselves after binge eating. People with BED may also purge to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of loneliness, boredom, and anxiety after eating.
Eating disorders’ impact on the oral health
The potential adverse effects of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can cause the body to malfunction. Revealing oral signs of eating disorders include enamel erosion, dry mouth, mouth sores, tooth decay, sensitive teeth, etc.
Dentists look for signs of tooth erosion and possible injuries to the mouth during your dental check-up, which could have been induced by forcing objects into the mouth to make yourself vomit.
If you have a history of eating disorders, you should be particularly careful about your oral health. Visit the best dental clinic in Gurgaon, World Of Dentistry.
