DENTALHEALTH....EFFECTS OF EATING DISORDERS ON ORAL HEALTH

DENTALHEALTH….EFFECTS OF EATING DISORDERS ON ORAL HEALTH

Sep 04, 2016 News

By Dr. Neromini Fagu
Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating are usually diagnosed and treated by family physicians, psychiatrists and psychologists. However, according to the American Dental Association, dentists are often the first health professionals to observe the signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Many individuals suffering from eating disorders often avoid medical treatment and the dental team may be the first to recognize signs of an eating disorder when an individual seeks dental treatment for the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
Eating disorders are detrimental to a person’s health and rob the body of the vital nutrition needed. Affected individuals suffer from body image issues and use various means to purge themselves of the food consumed. In addition to a host of medical problems, eating disorders can also wreak havoc on an individual’s oral health. The following are some of the various effects:

EROSION OF TOOTH ENAMEL
Persons suffering from bulimia force themselves to vomit to get rid of the food they eat. The stomach acid in vomit wears away the enamel of the teeth and the wearing away mostly occurs on the inner surface of the front teeth. These surfaces are usually only seen by dental professionals which, is why, the eating disorder may go undetected by other health professionals.
As the condition progresses over time the erosion on the front teeth may become noticeable and teeth will often appear thin, yellow, shiny and even transparent near the edges. Tooth erosion may also be experienced by persons suffering from anorexia if the individual consumes a lot of acidic fruits and drinks instead of solid meals.
Once the enamel has been lost, the dentine layer below becomes exposed making the tooth more prone to sensitivity. Normal things such as brushing one’s teeth, drinking a glass of water, or even taking a deep breath through the mouth can become extremely painful. As the illness progresses, the loss of tooth enamel can be so great that it causes the teeth to change in colour, shape and length. They can also become brittle, translucent and sensitive to temperature.

DRY MOUTH AND BAD BREATH
The bodies of persons with eating disorders are often dehydrated and malnourished and lack the necessary proteins, vitamins and minerals for good health. Dry mouth and bad breath usually develop leading to an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE
Individuals who constantly use their fingers to force themselves to vomit can cause redness, scratches and cuts to the inside the mouth and the soft palate. Lips often become red, dry and cracked and the soft tissues in the mouth may bleed easily or develop lesions. The frequent binge and purge cycles may cause enlargement of the salivary glands which can be painful.

OSTEOPOROSIS AND ARTHRITIS
Individuals who have had an eating disorder for an extended period of time may also develop osteoporosis, a condition that leads to the weakening of bones. Osteoporosis is more often found in individuals suffering from anorexia and it causes the bone in the jaw to shrink, so causing the teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. Arthritis may sometimes also develop in the joint where the upper and lower jaw hinge together, leading to chronic headaches and problems with chewing and opening and closing of the mouth.
Eating disorders are not commonly discussed in Guyana and may not even be understood by many. It is important for dental health workers to be aware of the symptoms of the disorders so they can help their patients both on a dental and medical level. The topic is a sensitive one and dental professionals need to look for more than one symptom as well as perform proper differential diagnosis before charting a course of treatment. A compassionate and understanding dental staff may very well encourage individuals to seek the help they need for recovery.

For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to nerominifagu@hotmail.com.

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