Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Eating disorders and tooth damage

An article by Julie Dearborff in the Chicago Tribune on August 10th talks about 5 threats to teeth which includes eating disorders. Here is what she had to say about that:

"Eating disorders
. Dentists are actually on the front lines when it comes to spotting eating disorders since mouth changes are often the first physical signs, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Up to 89 percent of bulimic patient show signs of tooth erosion due to frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies. Stomach acid can render the teeth brittle, weak and translucent. Teeth can also change in color, shape and length as well as become more sensitive to temperature. Tooth decay, meanwhile, can be aggravated by extensive tooth brushing or rinsing following vomiting."

What has your experience been? I had hoped bi-annual trips to the dentist would help us get a diagnosis for my daughter but just like she was trying to be --- her teeth were perfect. The good news was there was no enamel erosion, the bad news was the diagnosis got delayed.

Would love to hear your stories of eating disorders and teeth.

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