How Bulimia Can Damage Teeth

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HOW BULIMIA CAN DAMAGE TEETH
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The effects of bulimia on your teeth are
far-reaching.
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This eating disorder is marked by periods of
binging and purging food, exposing tooth enamel
to large amounts of acid.
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The pain and embarrassment that you feel about
your unhealthy teeth can add to the mental stress
that you experience.
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For many patients, dental services are just as
important of a part of their treatment as
counseling.
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HOW ACID DAMAGES TEETH
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Your stomach naturally makes acid to help digest
your food. Some of this acid comes up every time
you vomit.
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Tooth enamel is strong enough to handle brief
exposure to these acids, but repeated vomiting
increases how long the acids come in contact with
your teeth.
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Your teeth are also exposed to acids from the
food and drinks consumed during binges.
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Soda, fruit juice and other sugary beverages are
all highly acidic.
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Food that gets stuck on your teeth can also break
down and begin to form acids which break down the
tooth enamel. This is called acid erosion.
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As the enamel thins, the underlying dentin
becomes more visible. This can make your teeth
look yellower. You may also see white spots and
other areas of discoloration.
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Acid erosion may sometimes have very few symptoms
until it reaches a severe point that causes tooth
sensitivity.
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TYPES OF DENTAL DAMAGE BULIMIA CAUSES
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Once your teeth are weakened by acid erosion,
they are more susceptible to other types of
damage. Your teeth may become brittle and begin
to chip more easily.
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Frequent vomiting causes damage to your inner
cheeks, lips and gums causing canker sores,
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along with signs of gum disease such as bleeding
and swelling. Your salivary glands may also
become enlarged.
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Dry mouth is another condition that can occur
with bulimia, increasing your risk of cavities.
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It also causes symptoms such as a burning
sensation in your mouth and cracked lips that are
uncomfortable.
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WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH
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The most important thing you can do is seek help!
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Stopping the cycle of binging and purging halts
the damage that this condition does to your
teeth.
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You can also take steps to protect your teeth
from acid erosion.
Rinsing your mouth with water after an episode of
vomiting or drinking acidic beverages helps to
restore the pH balance of your saliva.
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You can also take steps to protect your teeth
from acid erosion.
Regular dental checkups are important for
catching early signs of damage to your teeth.
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You can also take steps to protect your teeth
from acid erosion.
Special fluoride treatments and other dental
procedures can improve the appearance and health
of your teeth.
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Bulimia treatment frequently includes multiple
strategies that help your whole body heal.
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Your bulimia needs to be treated by a trained
mental health professional, but we can help with
your teeth.
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As always, anything you tell us during your
office visits is confidential. We only want to
help you take care of your teeth and love how you
look when you smile.
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Noble Dental Care is a family oriented dental
care clinic with dentists that care about you and
your health.
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Give us the opportunity to give you the smile of
your dreams.
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Call us for an appointment at [phone].
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