Joy Lunan DDS News

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder in which the sufferer binges

and purges their food. Unlike anorexia, where starvation is used to lose

weight, bulimia entails consuming a large amount of food, only to expel

it soon afterwards by inducing vomiting, using laxatives or exercising

excessively. Those who suffer from bulimia are referred to as bulimics,

and it most often affects teenage girls and young women.

Considered a mental disorder as well, bulimia makes those who suffer

from it feel a loss of control. Stemming from a negative body image,

bulimia can wreak havoc on both the body and mind. Bulimics often

feel they are "fat," no matter what the scale says. They may feel

depressed or guilty that they can't stop the disease on their own. And

many bulimics display an overachieving behavior and an obsession with weight loss.

A Negative Effect

Although bulimia nervosa is characterized by binging and purging at least

twice a week, bulimics often have more frequent episodes. Many force

themselves to throw up daily, which is an extremely unhealthy way to

lose weight. Stomach bloating, cramping, constipation, dehydration and

exhaustion are common side effects from the constant vomiting and lack

of nutrition. Bulimics may also notice swelling in the hands, lower legs,

feet or salivary glands.

Not only does it do damage to your body, but bulimia nervosa has a

devastating effect on teeth! As acid from the stomach enters the mouth,

it erodes tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay and tooth discoloration.

It not only looks bad, but bulimics often suffer from toothaches, multiple

cavities, dry mouth, oral lesions and bleeding gums. For those who

have silver dental fillings, the amalgam will appear "raised" due to the

reduction of tooth enamel. And having dental braces won't help --

dental restorations and appliances can also become loose and dislodge

from the jaw.

Figuring It Out

Bulimics often try to hide their disease from their loved ones. If you

believe a friend or family member may be suffering from bulimia effects,

there are several signs to help you determine the problem:

- Frequent vomiting

- Tooth decay

- Tooth discoloration

- Obsession with weight or low self-esteem

- Abnormal eating habits: fasting followed by eating a large amount of

  food, bizarre food rituals or a poor diet

- Hiding or stealing food

- Repeated tooth brushing or use of mouthwash

- Excessive use of laxatives

- Recurrent stomach ailments

- Tiredness or diziness

- Over-exercising

Diagnosis and Treatment

For those who suffer from bulimia effects, there is help! If you or

someone you know has bulimia, contact a physician for a medical

evaluation. Individual therapy and support groups are most helpful in

treating the psychological aspects of the disease. Dentists also play a

key role in bulimia treatment. Dentists are often able to suspect when a

patient is bulimic, due to the specific side effects that repeated vomiting

has on teeth.

Once the bulimic has decided to seek help, dental care will become a

significant part of their bulimia treatment. As long as the bulimic

continues to binge and purge, they will probably suffer from frequent

cavities and bleeding gums. Restorative dentistry options may include

tooth filling and gum disease treatment, but ongoing bulimia treatment

may be needed until the bulimia is cured. In the meantime, fluoride

treatments will help reduce sensitivity. A cap or dental crown is often

needed to repair extremely damaged teeth, but is usually recommended

only after the bulimic can control vomiting.

Take Care of Yourself

There are ways to better care for your teeth at home while you seek help.

Be sure not to brush your teeth after vomiting, as most bulimics feel

compelled to do. The abrasive materials in toothpaste  will further

damage tooth enamel made sensitive by stomach acid. Eating

or drinking anything acidic will have the same effect. Instead, wash your

mouth out with water to neutralize the acid, and wait a few hours before

you eat, drink or brush your teeth.

Practicing excellent oral hygiene will also help slow the process of tooth

erosion. It's extremely important to receive ongoing professional dental

care. Although you may feel embarrassed by the condition of your teeth,

visiting a caring dentist will relieve pain and restore your smile. As

untreated bulimia effects can lead to large cavities, expensive dental

treatment or even tooth loss, treatment should be sought as early as

possible. Getting help early will not only strengthen your dental health,

but will increase your chances of recovery and improve your self-esteem!