beenleigh-dentist-trivia-how-eating-disorders-affect-your-oral-health

How Eating Disorders Affect Your Oral Health

Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can be devastating to oral health and dental appearance.

Anorexia causes a person to radically deprive their body of nutrients vital to oral health, resulting in weakened bones and tooth enamel. The immune system is also depressed impeding the patient’s ability to fight off infections.

Bulimia (compulsive overeating and regurgitating) results in rapid damage to teeth and gums as a result of stomach acids passing through the mouth. Deterioration of tooth enamel, chipping, and discolouration quickly cause problems for the patients.