Despite the wide array of physical symptoms and medical complications that accompany eating disorders, it is often the pain and discomfort related to dental complications that first causes patients to consult a health professional. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans currently are affected by eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, but they are more commonly seen in teen and young adult women. Eating disorders negatively impact a person’s quality of life, as well as their oral health. Self-image, relationships with families and friends, as well as school or job performance can be damaged. It is crucial for anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder to seek immediate professional help. Not only can eating disorders negatively affect a person’s general health, it can also affect a person’s oral health. Without proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissues inside a person’s mouth can bleed easily and the glands that produce saliva may swell as well. Frequently throwing up can also affects your teeth because strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over the teeth. Signs and Symptoms Someone You Know May Have an Eating DisorderHowever, when visiting your dentist, it is nearly impossible to hide the damage caused by an eating disorder. Dentists can identify the various signs of eating disorders through your oral health. Your dentist will tell you what they have noticed in terms of enamel erosion and will encourage you to seek further treatment. Common Signs of an Eating Disorder may include:* Bad Breath* Tender mouth, throat and salivary glands* Eroded tooth enamel* Teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent* Mouth sores* Dry mouth* Cracked lips* Bleeding gums* Sensitive teethOral Health Consequences Associated with Eating DisordersFrequent vomiting and severe nutritional deficiencies associated with eating disorders have severe consequences for your teeth and oral health. Because the digestive system releases such powerful acids that break down food, self-induced vomiting allows these acids to come in contact with, attack and wear-away tooth enamel during regurgitation. Additionally, frequent vomiting may alter the color, length and shape of your teeth. People with eating disorders may experience tenderness of the mouth and throat, noticing swollen salivary glands. These swollen glands may result in widening of the jaw and a square-like shape. Those who suffer from anorexia may experience weakening of the jaw bone as a result of osteoporosis, which also weakens teeth and leads to tooth loss. Recovering and Restoring Your Oral HealthRestoring your oral health after recovering from an eating disorder is vital to your self-esteem and general health. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, it is imperative that you seek professional help. Treatment to restore your smile may involve crowns, veneers, fillings or even full mouth reconstruction, in conjunction with therapy and support groups.A key element in recovering is education. Dental treatments can and should begin during the recovery process to protect your teeth. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, enamel loss may be replaced and in some cases more extensive dental treatments may be required, depending on the extent of the damage of your teeth.Because changes in the mouth are typically the first physical signs of an eating disorder, your dentist may be the first to recognize the illness. Consult your dentist today if an eating disorder has caused a change in your oral health.
Archive for the ‘Oral and Dental Health’ Category
The Dangerous Link Between Eating Disorders And Oral Health
Despite the wide array of physical symptoms and medical complications that accompany eating disorders, it is often the pain and discomfort related to dental complications that first causes patients to consult a health professional. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans currently are affected by eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, but they are more commonly seen in teen and young adult women. Eating disorders negatively impact a person’s quality of life, as well as their oral health. Self-image, relationships with families and friends, as well as school or job performance can be damaged. It is crucial for anyone who is suffering from an eating disorder to seek immediate professional help. Not only can eating disorders negatively affect a person’s general health, it can also affect a person’s oral health. Without proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissues inside a person’s mouth can bleed easily and the glands that produce saliva may swell as well. Frequently throwing up can also affects your teeth because strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over the teeth. Signs and Symptoms Someone You Know May Have an Eating DisorderHowever, when visiting your dentist, it is nearly impossible to hide the damage caused by an eating disorder. Dentists can identify the various signs of eating disorders through your oral health. Your dentist will tell you what they have noticed in terms of enamel erosion and will encourage you to seek further treatment. Common Signs of an Eating Disorder may include:* Bad Breath* Tender mouth, throat and salivary glands* Eroded tooth enamel* Teeth that are worn and appear almost translucent* Mouth sores* Dry mouth* Cracked lips* Bleeding gums* Sensitive teethOral Health Consequences Associated with Eating DisordersFrequent vomiting and severe nutritional deficiencies associated with eating disorders have severe consequences for your teeth and oral health. Because the digestive system releases such powerful acids that break down food, self-induced vomiting allows these acids to come in contact with, attack and wear-away tooth enamel during regurgitation. Additionally, frequent vomiting may alter the color, length and shape of your teeth. People with eating disorders may experience tenderness of the mouth and throat, noticing swollen salivary glands. These swollen glands may result in widening of the jaw and a square-like shape. Those who suffer from anorexia may experience weakening of the jaw bone as a result of osteoporosis, which also weakens teeth and leads to tooth loss. Recovering and Restoring Your Oral HealthRestoring your oral health after recovering from an eating disorder is vital to your self-esteem and general health. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, it is imperative that you seek professional help. Treatment to restore your smile may involve crowns, veneers, fillings or even full mouth reconstruction, in conjunction with therapy and support groups.A key element in recovering is education. Dental treatments can and should begin during the recovery process to protect your teeth. If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, enamel loss may be replaced and in some cases more extensive dental treatments may be required, depending on the extent of the damage of your teeth.Because changes in the mouth are typically the first physical signs of an eating disorder, your dentist may be the first to recognize the illness. Consult your dentist today if an eating disorder has caused a change in your oral health.
The Connection Between Oral Health; Overall Health 2
Oral health affects people in a multitude of ways. 脗 Some are basic lifestyle changes; others are detrimental to physical health. 脗 Here are some ways in which your general health and your dental health are connected.How Your Health Affects Your TeethThe immune system is what protects our bodies from disease. 脗 A strong immune system defends a person’s health, while a weak immune system allows infection to fester. 脗 If you suffer from a weak immune system, you’re much more likely to suffer from dental infections and oral illnesses. 脗 Your kids’ dental health may require particular overseeing to make sure they’re brushing as thoroughly as their immune system warrants.If you take drugs for any reason, discuss the side effects with your doctor. 脗 If dry mouth results from the medication, pay special attention to your oral hygiene. 脗 Dental decay can arise from dry mouth, as bacteria flourish in this environment.How Your Oral Health Affects Your LifestylePoor oral health affects not only peoples’ appearances, but from that it can lower self-esteem. 脗 One frequent cause for this is stained teeth, from smoking or drinking dark liquids, for example. 脗 A professional, in-house teeth whitening at your local San Antonio dental clinic can bump that confidence tremendously.Unhealthy teeth can also make it difficult to chew food. 脗 For example, if your teeth are developing cavities, they feel an increased sensitivity, making it difficult to eat much less chew.Even if you have healthy teeth, if you suffer from an oral health disorder such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, you may have difficulty sleeping. 脗 TMJ involves the joints of your jaw and it can cause severe, consistent pain.Diabetes & Oral HealthIf you are diabetic, oral hygiene is particularly important. 脗 An oral infection can affect blood-sugar levels, introducing problems in keeping your diabetes in line.脗 脗 Gum Disease & Oral HealthAmerica’s oral health is being attacked by gum disease, and San Antonio is no exception. 脗 Periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. 脗 It increases the risk of additional physical issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. 脗 Pregnancy and oral health are inextricably tied in this way; gum disease allows oral bacteria to travel to the fetus via blood, potentially causing premature births and low-weight births. 脗 Periodontal bacteria can also migrate to the lungs as you breathe, causing respiratory disease.Oral health education is extremely important to maintaining a healthy smile and healthy body. 脗 For further oral health products and oral health services, call your脗 San Antonio脗 cosmetic dentist at Culebra North Dental Care. 脗 Drs. Quillian and Sproull will gladly help you keep your mouth and body healthy. 脗 Call today to schedule your first free dental consultation.