Billions of people all over the planet suffer
from anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binging and purging or a combination of the
two. Men, women, and even children starve themselves or binge and purge to
become the person they think they should be. A lack of low self-esteem and the
constant push by the media to stay thin has people striving to become a person
that they never will be.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes a
person to lose interest in food. Through constant dieting and exercise, people
with this eating disorder starve themselves surviving on 100 calories a day.
Anorexia causes problems for teeth and gums, as the person who suffers isn’t
getting proper nutrition. People with malnutrition will deal with tooth decay
and gum disease.
What is Bulimia?
Unlike anorexia, bulimics will eat food and
force themselves to throw up. Although some believe that all bulimics eat
massive amounts of food before purging, some don’t, and will throw up even the
smallest meal.
Just like anorexics, bulimics will suffer
from tooth decay thanks to the acid in the vomit. Acid causes enamel erosion
leading to periodontal disease and dental caries. Without attention enamel,
erosion and loose teeth will lead to tooth loss.
Binging and Purging
People who suffer from this eating disorder
will eat large quantities of food before throwing up. Some people who binge and
purge will visit four or five fast food restaurants consuming a half a dozen
hamburgers and three orders or fries, all supersized. Once the food has been eaten,
the person will vomit it up only to start all over again.
Eating disorders cause problems for teeth and
gums and the rest of your body. If you or someone you know is suffering from an
eating disorder, it is important that you seek medical care and schedule an
appointment with your dentist for a thorough checkup.
Call for a dental appointment today.
