How eating disorders affect the mouth

Dietary habits can impact your oral health. People may not be able to tell if you have an eating disorder, but the longer it goes untreated, the more it can affect your mouth, and the signs can show on your teeth.

Changes in your mouth can be the first signs of an eating disorder. Your gums can become sensitive and you may also develop a dry mouth. Let’s talk more about how eating disorders can affect the mouth.

1. Frequent vomiting and thinning of the enamel

   Vomiting exposes your teeth to strong stomach acids. These acids repeatedly flow in the mouth, which can erode the enamel and weaken the teeth.

   Aggressive brushing can also exacerbate the problem, causing further damage to the enamel. The teeth can change in appearance, and become darker and more brittle. The dentin, or the darker layer beneath the enamel, becomes more visible.

   The teeth can also become vulnerable to chips and fractures as the enamel erodes. If this continues, the pulp can become exposed and infected and lead to heightened sensitivity.

2. Nutritional deficiency and increased risk of dental problems

   Inadequate nutrition can contribute to the development of dental problems, such as bad breath and gingivitis. Dehydration can leave the mouth dry and the lips cracked.

   You may become more prone to tooth decay and gum disease if you don’t receive enough calcium. And even with high calcium intake, your body may not be able to reap its benefits without enough vitamin D to aid with absorption.

   Not enough vitamin B3 or niacin can lead to the formation of canker sores. It can also contribute to bad breath and tongue redness.

3. Excessive eating and salivary gland dysfunction

   Bulimia or excessive overeating can lead to too much intake of sugary, starchy, and fatty foods. The inability to control the urge to eat can also cause damage to the teeth and mouth.

   Food debris can accumulate faster, contributing to plaque buildup. With poor oral hygiene, the risks of developing decay, cavities, and gum disease can also increase.

   Overeating can also lead to enlarged salivary glands, one of its first symptoms. Liquids can get trapped inside the glands and interfere with the salivary flow.

   Saliva plays a critical role in good oral health. It keeps moisture in the mouth, neutralizes harmful acids, aids in swallowing and chewing food, and promotes proper digestion.

How Your Dental Team Can Help

While eating disorders are often focused on a person’s body and weight, they can also lead to several other issues. Seeking expert advice from a multidisciplinary team is crucial to keep symptoms from worsening and make recovery more pleasant.

Your dental team, including your dentist and dental hygienist, can spot potential signs of eating disorders. Enamel erosion and other mouth injuries can give clues to daily behaviors, such as purging.

At Mckenzie Towne Family Dental in Southeast Calgary, you can trust our team to keep your dental and health concerns confidential. We maintain a judgment-free environment in our office. It’s a safe place to share your worries and struggles related to eating disorders.

Detect Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders Through Your Mouth

According to the National Initiative for Eating Disorders (NIED), approximately 1 million Canadians are diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Eating disorders can be more common than you think. Don’t hesitate to come forward and talk about it. Seeking proper assessment and support from healthcare professionals is essential to healing and recovery.

Through routine examinations, we can recognize warning and explain how they can impact your oral health. Managing and overcoming eating disorders can take time. We're here to help make the process easier to manage.

To talk to a dentist in SE Alberta, Calgary, regarding eating disorders and oral health, contact us at Mckenzie Towne Family Dental.

Let’s book your consultation with one of our dentists. When caught and treated early, eating disorders don’t have to result in oral health complications.