Disordered eating refers to any eating behavior that disrupts physical, mental, or psychological health. Because eating disorders often rob the body of needed nutrients or disturb the body's ability to properly absorb these nutrients, they can cause damage to teeth, as well as muscles and major organs. According to dental experts, purging (vomiting to rid the body of undigested food) takes an especially high toll on the teeth and mouth, and restrictive eating (anorexia especially) denies the body the nutrients it needs to maintain strong teeth. A Delta Dental representative commented:
"Stomach acids can damage teeth with repeated exposures during purging for those individuals with bulimia nervosa. For those individuals with anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by self-induced starvation, poor nutrition can affect oral health by increasing the risk for periodontal [gum] diseases."
Dentists look for various signs and symptoms to determine whether a patient has an eating disorder. These include halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth and eroded tooth enamel, teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent, mouth sores, dry mouth, cracked lips, bleeding gums, and tender mouth, throat, and salivary glands. (Source: www.dentaleconomics.com)
Labels: dectection, diagnosis, dentists
Posted By: Aspen Education Group