Dietary practices can and do influence oral health. Often, the first physical indications of an eating disorder are changes in the mouth. Dental health may suffer greatly if one does not visit his or her nearest dentist, a dentist in Sion, as a result of the unhealthy behaviors and nutritional deficiencies that frequently accompany disordered eating. The teeth and mouth may sustain long-lasting or even irreversible harm as a result of an eating disorder. Eating disorders can affect anyone, even though they are more common in females, especially teens and young adults.
Eating Disorder: Types
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating are examples of eating disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The mouth will suffer from the negative effects of all three of these conditions. Even when they are severely underweight, those who have anorexia fear gaining weight or looking fat. In an effort to lose weight, they will restrict their food intake, engage in excessive exercise, and, possibly after eating, feel compelled to induce vomiting, and use laxatives, enemas, or diuretics.
Bulimia is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating, which can occur daily or several times per week in the most extreme cases. Unhealthy eating of sweet and fatty foods will result from this uncontrollable urge, as will purging that includes self-induced vomiting as well as the use of diuretics, laxatives, and enema. According to studies, 89 percent of bulimics exhibit signs of oral and dental damage.
Previously, binge eaters were categorized as food addicts. In contrast to bulimics, they tend not to purge to get rid of the extra weight they gain; instead, they will overeat for brief periods of time and find it difficult to control their urges. Instead, they will experience intense guilt and regret, which motivates them to keep engaging in the behavior. You should visit a dentist in Sion right now if you experience any of these symptoms!
What Effects Do Eating Disorders Have on Your Body and Mouth?
The body will suffer negative effects from all of these eating disorders. Vitamin, mineral, and nutrient deficiencies linked to these disorders can make the body shut down and stop working properly. Potential health problems consist of:
- Loss of weight.
- hair fall
- Reduce your body’s temperature.
- Constipation.
- irregular or nonexistent women’s menstrual cycles.
- possible death, kidney failure, and heart issues.
Dental issues like degenerative arthritis in the temporomandibular joint of the jaw are frequently linked to eating disorders. The lower jaw’s hinge point with the skull is where this joint is located. When arthritis first develops in this joint, it may cause joint pain, recurring headaches, and difficulty chewing and opening and closing the mouth.
Purging can cause redness, cuts, and scratches inside the mouth, particularly on the top surface known as the “soft palate.” Since healthy daily habits hardly ever result in damage to this region, such damage should serve as a warning to dental professionals. Cuts or bruises on the knuckles are frequently present along with soft palate damage as a result of an individual’s teeth pressing against the skin while attempting to urinate.
Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies will also have a negative impact on the mouth. Furthermore, stomach acids will erode the teeth of those who vomit to purge. The following are some oral symptoms of eating disorders:
- enlarged salivary glands and dry mouth.
- mouth sores and cracked, dry lips.
- dental erosion
- Teeth sensitivity to cold and heat.
Recommended Oral Procedure – Dentist in Sion
Due to issues with their mouth and teeth, people with eating disorders frequently visit their dentist for treatment. A dental hygienist or a dentist is qualified to recognize the oral symptoms of a severe eating disorder. They will advise the patient on oral and physical harm and suggest seeking treatment from a mental health specialist. In the interim, they will assist in resolving the patient’s mouth and dental issues. For instance, those who vomit to purge are advised not to brush their teeth right away because doing so will intensify the harm the stomach acids do to the teeth. Instead, it is advised to wait about 30 minutes before brushing and to use a neutral paste, like baking soda.
Work that is preventative and restorative may include:
- teaching about good oral hygiene.
- Individualized treatment plans for fluoride.
- remedies for dry mouth.
- Treatment for sensitivity involves restoring teeth with significant enamel loss.
- regular preventive dental visits to track the development
Your mouth’s effects from eating disorders are secondary to the harm that will be done to your body. However, due to the shame and guilt connected to these disorders, seeking help from a mental health professional is frequently challenging. In addition to problems with the mouth and teeth, patients who visit a dentist for treatment, a dentist in Sion, for tooth damage and sensitivity will also be examined for issues with their general health. This could be the most important first step in receiving assistance.