My main focus will be on the dental aspects of the disease because many times the dental hygienist is the first person to see the effects eating disorders.
Rampant decay: Widespread cavities over a short period of time are a significant problem for anorexic/bulimic patients. The problem is two-fold: those patients that binge on high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods and then purge run the greatest risk of decay. The sugar in the foods set up an acid-attack on the enamel, while the act of purging bathes the teeth in hydrochloric acid from the stomach. This acid not only contributes to decay, but can also erode the teeth and fillings. The chronic bulimic patient will need numerous fillings over and over again, and have eroded enamel on the tongue-side of the teeth.
Soft tissue damage Due to repeated vomiting, anorexic/bulimics may have severely swollen tonsils or soft palate. Some people may suffer glossitis, or a swelling and redness of the tongue. A patients palate may have lacerations from fingernails used to induce vomiting.
Care: First and foremost, I cannot stress enough that people with eating disorders seek professional help. Eating disorders can have fatal consequences. Secondly, people should let their dental hygienist know about their eating disorder in order to insure proper treatment. Anorexic/bulimic patients MUST use scrupulous homecare in order to keep their teeth. Extra brushing, flossing, and possible at-home fluoride treatments may be necessary. They may also require additional preventative (cleaning) visits throughout the year.
The effects of eating disorders on the teeth are very real. A fellow wwwsuite101.com contributing editor had this to say in an article: "Dental Problems, including enamal erosion, severe decay, and gum disease is a frequent result of vomiting. Unfortunately, I know this one all too well. In the past fifteen years I have had three root canals, one tooth pulled, one surgery to remove diseased gum tissue, and more fillings than I can count. (The ironic thing is, I HATE going to the dentist.) When I was 22, the dentist told me I would probably be wearing dentures by the time I was 30. (I'm 31 now, and glad to tell you, no dentures yet - knock on wood!)"
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