Should I tell my dentist about my bulimia?

If you are getting an annual or semi-annual dental exam, but do not wish to talk about your eating disorder, most dentists will drop the subject and respect your wishes while keeping the condition of your mouth confidential. Frankly, it’s easier not to talk about the eating disorder.

Can Dentists tell if you take care of your teeth?

Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don’t brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don’t brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.

Will my dentist know if I purge?

Erosion can drastically change the color, size and shape of your teeth. Excessive tooth erosion is one way your dentist could tell if a patient may be bulimic. Frequent vomiting can lead to sensitive teeth, dry mouth and red, cracked lips. All signs that your dentist is trained to recognize as side effects of bulimia.

Do dentists know if you have an eating disorder?

Dentists and dental hygienists may see signs of anorexia or bulimia exhibited during a routine visit or checkup.

Can throwing up damage your teeth?

Repeated vomiting can cause serious damage to the teeth. Vomit is especially toxic because it contains stomach acids. These acids break down food in your stomach so your body can digest it. But in the mouth, these acids are corrosive, enough to wear away at the enamel that covers and protects your teeth.

Should I brush my teeth after going to the dentist?

You absolutely can brush (and floss) your teeth the day of your next office visit. However, if you are planning to undergo a full teeth cleaning, any residual food particles or stains will be effectively removed whether you brush your teeth or not.

Is vomit bad for your teeth?

Can your dentist tell if you’re anorexic?

An astute dentist may even be able to discern that a person’s oral problems actually arise from issues with their emotional well-being. Â In fact, a visit to the dentist could uncover the presence of two of the most prominent eating disorders, bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.

What happens to your teeth when you purge?

Consistently purging will regularly expose your teeth to stomach acids. These chemicals are vital in breaking down your food and assisting in the digestive process within the stomach. However, when they find themselves in your mouth due to purging, problems arise. These acids begin to corrode the protective enamel layer around your teeth.

What happens to your body when you purge?

1. Tooth Erosion Consistently purging will regularly expose your teeth to stomach acids. These chemicals are vital in breaking down your food and assisting in the digestive process within the stomach. However, when they find themselves in your mouth due to purging, problems arise.

What happens to your teeth when you binge?

The sugary foods that bingeing often involves can make tooth decay even worse. In studies, up to 69.7\% of bulimia patients’ teeth had dental erosions. ( 5) 2. Bad Bacteria Bulimic patients’ mouths have a higher balance of cavity-causing bacteria than others.

Can a dentist fix dental problems caused by bulimia?

The short-term solution to fixing dental problems caused by bulimia is to treat the dental conditions. A dentist can fill cavities, repair broken teeth, and help care for your gums. However, the long-term solution to is to seek treatment for your bulimia. Dental repairs can only go so far if a person continues to purge.