According to studies, over 10,500 people die each year as a result of severe eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, which equates to one death every 50 minutes. Around the world, 70 million people suffer from eating disorders. An eating disorder can affect anyone and everyone, but it is particularly common among teenagers and young adult women. Doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists are frequently used to identify and treat eating disorders.
Around two-fourths of all cases of diagnosed bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are identified by dental professionals. Because of the common oral side effects associated with the condition, the dentists at your clinic might be the first to distinguish indications of an eating disorder. Because many adolescents and young adults with eating disorders avert medical care, the roles of dental professionals in their lives can indeed be extremely crucial.
Eating disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical, emotional, and social issues. Addressing these disorders is the first step toward treatment. Though difficult for many people, family members can be helpful in such situations by encouraging healthy eating habits and providing positive feedback. Although the term “eating disorder” implies that it is all about image, food, and weight, there are underlying conditions that must be addressed. An early diagnosis and intervention greatly improve the chances of recovery.
Anorexia nervosa (an-o-REK-see-uh) is an eating disorder characterized by significant weight loss, a strenuous dread of putting on weight, and a contorted weighing perception. Anorexics place a lot of emphasis on attempting to control their body size and shape, making excessive attempts that significantly disrupt their lifestyles. People suffering from anorexia generally seriously limit their food intake in order to avoid or maintain weight loss. They may limit their calorie intake by puking after having eaten or abusing laxatives, diet supplements, or diuretics. People may also try to lose weight by overexerting themselves.
No matter how much weight is lost, the individual is still afraid of gaining weight. Anorexia isn’t just about dieting. It’s a dangerous and often life-threatening way to deal with psychological issues. When you suffer from anorexia, you frequently associate slimness with identity. Anorexia, like other eating disorders, has the potential to take over your life and be extremely difficult to overcome. However, therapies can help you rediscover your identity, resume healthy eating habits, and reverse some of anorexia’s severe symptoms.
Bulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa, also known as bulimia, is a severe and possibly fatal eating disorder. Bulimics may clandestinely overeat and then purify, attempting to get rid of the excess calories in an improper manner. Bulimics may use a variety of approaches to burn calories and avoid excess weight. For instance, after gorging, you may self-induce puking or abuse laxatives, weight-loss supplements, or diuretics. You can also use other methods to burn calories and avoid weight gain, such as calorie restriction, stringent dieting, or strenuous exercise.
If you suffer from bulimia, you’re probably obsessed with your body size and shape. You may gravely and cruelly judge yourself for your imperfections. Bulimia can be difficult to overcome because it is related to identity and not just nourishment. Successful therapy, on the other hand, can assist you in feeling better about yourself, embracing more nutritious eating habits, and reversing serious medical problems.
Binge-eating is an extremely serious eating disorder in which you ingest excessive amounts of food on a regular basis while being unable to refrain from eating. At the moment, just about everyone overeats, such as by having thirds or fourths of a holiday feast. Consuming too much food that feels out of control and becomes a habit, on the other hand, crosses the line into binge-eating disorder for some people.You may feel ashamed about unhealthy eating if you have a binge-eating disorder and have made a solemn promise to cease. But you are so compelled that you are unable to fight back the impulses and proceed with binge eating. Therapies for binge eating disorders can indeed be beneficial.
Each and every eating disorder that causes regular puking can lead to poor nutrition and negatively impact dental hygiene. The following are a few of the scenarios to be familiar with.
Erosion and tooth enamel wear are two of the most common problems associated with chronic vomiting. The tooth enamel is the outermost layer of protection for the teeth. As many of you are aware, vomit contains gastric acids, which eventually erode tooth enamel if the purging is repeated. The inner surface of the front teeth begins to erupt within the first six months of frequent puking. The main sign of an eating disorder is when the teeth become thin, yellow, shiny, or even transparent near the tips. Tooth erosion affects nearly 90% of bulimics. It could be subtle in anorexics as well. Because the inside and outside surfaces of the teeth are both polished during routine examinations at the dentist, the dentist might be the first person to detect the erosion of tooth enamel.
Children and teenagers suffering from eating disorders may experience tooth sensitivity. Tooth enamel erosion is a common cause of extreme sensitivity to both hot and cold temperatures. The core part of the tooth might become revealed as the protective coating of enamel wears down. In severe cases, the pulp may become exposed, resulting in inflammation, darkening, or perhaps even pulp fatality. Brushing your teeth, consuming a glass of liquid, or maybe even taking a long breath through the mouth can all become intensely uncomfortable as a consequence of enamel erosion.
Bulimic teenagers frequently insert their fingers or foreign material into their throats to induce vomiting after a binge event. As a direct consequence, erythema, abrasions, and cutbacks are frequent within the mouth, particularly on the top surface known as the “soft palate.” Since balanced, healthy behavior patterns very rarely cause damage to this region, this kind of damage is a red flag. Furthermore, soft palate damage is frequently seen in conjunction with cutbacks or contusions on the knuckles.
This is caused by the teenager’s teeth pressing against the skin while purging. Finally, a regular binge and purge cycle can result in salivary gland expansion, which can be notably troubling for bulimics. The salivary glands may grow larger, making the jaw appear wider and stubbier. Lips may become inflamed, dry, and ruptured, and the adolescent may develop a chronic sore throat.
Eating disorders are caused by a number of physiological, psychological, and societal factors, all of which must be acknowledged in order to eliminate and cure these disorders. Youngsters should be taught the importance of individual daily oral hygiene.
If you have an eating disorder, the following practices can help you with your oral health:
The first step toward recovery and treatment is, without a doubt, a welcoming and sympathetic dental team. Dentists should be nearby and offer you support without judging you, allowing you to avoid embarrassment and encouraging you to seek help for eating disorder recovery.
