Bulimia and Anorexia involve serious emotional and physical problems that can adversely affect not only the overall health of an individual, but also the look and health of the teeth. 

Anorexia is an eating disorder that is characterized by a self-induced starvation.  There is an intense fear of weight gain, a desire to be thinner, and an inability to maintain a minimally normal weigh for height and age.  Because of this the body doesn’t receive the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins that it needs to keep it strong and healthy.  It can cause damage to the teeth, muscles and internal organs of the individual with the concern. 

Bulimia is an eating disorder that harms your overall health and is particularly destructive to teeth.  It involves repeated binge eating (eating large amounts of food in a short period of time) followed by purging—self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, fasting, diuretics or diet pills.  Bulimia can be easy to hide from parents, friends or even physicians, but it's something that dentists can detect fairly easily just by giving a regular dental examination.

The digestive system contains strong acids that break down food.  When vomiting is used to purge food from the body, these acids attack tooth enamel.  Repeated vomiting can severely erode tooth enamel and over time, teeth will become worn, thin and translucent.  The most commonly affected areas are the inside of the upper front teeth.  All soft tissues in the mouth, including the throat and salivary glands may become swollen, tender and dry with bad breath often being the result.  According to recent studies, binges can include as much as seven pounds of food and 20,000 calories, with purging episodes occurring as frequently as 40 times per day!

A person that exhibits upper teeth that are worn and thinned on the inside doesn’t necessarily mean they have an eating disorder though.  Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), dietary or occupational exposure to acids (professional wine tasters), or "morning sickness" in pregnant women also can cause wear patterns.  Whatever the case, a person can ask their dentist about a mouthguard or fluoride regimen to protect the teeth if the episodes are frequent.

Preventive steps that can be taken to keep the teeth healthy involve neutralizing the stomach acids that erode the teeth.  These steps include:

1. After an incident, immediately rinse the mouth with soda water (bicarbonate, not a soft drink!) or use a sugar and alcohol free mouth rinse.
2. Swish your mouth with water if nothing else is available.
3. Brush with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.  Also, as I already mentioned consult the dentist for a prescription strength fluoride regimen.

Eating disorders can be devastating.  If you, or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, please seek professional help so you can maintain that happy, healthy smile.