Eating Disorders

Profound Oral Health Implications

For over 20 years, Dr. Karen Brune has been working with dental patients who also struggle with eating disorders. She is a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals and has guest lectured at numerous recovery centers. An excerpt from her published article is printed below.

Can Anorexia or Bulimia Affect Teeth?

A Message from Your Houston Uptown Dentists

Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa can have a significant effect on your teeth. But if you struggle with an eating disorder, you probably do not need a dentist to tell you that. Many people with anorexia or bulimia are already familiar with the consequences that malnourishment or binging and purging can have on one's mouth. The most well known effects include:

• Tooth loss
• Erosion of the enamel on the "tongue side" of the teeth as a result of teeth being bathed in stomach acid
• Worn-away enamel, so that fillings appear to be raised and teeth appear dark
• Possible bone loss from osteoporosis
• Jagged edges on the biting surfaces of the top teeth
• Altered bite, such that lower teeth hit the roof of the mouth
• Bleeding gums and burning tongue
• Decreased salivary flow (dry mouth) and swollen glands
• Sensitivity and soreness in the teeth, mouth, throat, tongue and gums

Because teeth and gum tissue reflect a person's overall health, your dentist may be the first to detect an eating disorder. Too often, neither the medical community nor patients realize the serious impact that eating disorders have on teeth. Irreversible damage, even total loss of all teeth, is possible if left untreated. Houston Uptown Dentists is working with health professionals here in Houston who treat patients with eating disorders, specifically Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa, because dental care is part of the recovery program.

A key element in this treatment program is education. For patients with eating disorders, we do not recommend the standard dental hygiene guidelines. For example, since many bulimic patients follow a pattern of binge eating and then purging, which means they are regurgitating food and stomach acid, it is important that they do not brush their teeth afterwards. Doing so would only encourage even more erosion of the dental enamel, because the patient would actually be scrubbing his or her teeth with acidic solution. In such cases we suggest that our patients simply rinse their mouth with water or with a solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water. The baking soda rinse neutralizes the acid by raising the pH level in the mouth. Brushing the tongue with baking soda may also be recommended.

We believe that dental treatment can and should begin during recovery in order to protect the teeth. If a patient is diagnosed and treated at an early stage, enamel loss may be replaced with tooth colored materials known as composite resins. These resins are sculpted into place, duplicating or improving the appearance of the missing enamel.

In some cases, more extensive dental treatment may be required, depending upon the extent of the damage to the teeth. Our dentists might use restorations such as overlays, crowns, or veneers, especially if a patient’s bite needs to be corrected.

If you or someone you know would like more information, or an appointment for a personal and confidential dental evaluation, please call our Houston office today. We are passionate about assisting patients in their fight against eating disorders and their harmful effects.