Saved by the Dentist: How a Dentist Can Spot an Eating Disorder
A little known fact is that dental health professionals are usually the first people to notice the signs of an eating disorder. This is because oral health problems are very frequent in people who have eating disorders. If you are a dental health professional, watch out for these tell-tale signs and be sure to alert parents or other family members if you suspect an eating disorder.
Bulimia is the most common affliction that is associated with tooth decay. Bulimia is best characterized as a binge and purge eating condition. Bulimic people will intake huge amounts of food and then purge them from the body, usually through self induced vomiting. The obvious reason for tooth decay with a bulimic person is the corrosive stomach acid that is a part of vomit is exposed to tooth enamel on a frequent basis. It is estimated that almost 90% of people who suffer from bulimia show signs of tooth decay.
In anorexia nervosa the reason for tooth decay is not as apparent. A person with anorexia is in a state of starvation. The lack of nutrients to the body can result in bone loss, and even osteoporosis. This can cause the teeth, and even the jaw to become weak. Since the jaw supports the teeth, tooth loss commonly results.
A more overlooked reason for tooth decay and eating disorders is binge eating. Some people binge eat to relieve stress and to escape from reality. In extreme cases of binge eating a person can experience tooth decay from continuous intake of high sugar and acid foods like soda and candy.
There are multiple signs and symptoms that dental professionals should look for to determine the possibility of an eating disorder. Tissue loss and lesions or lost skin will appear in the mouth as a result of the corrosive effect of stomach acid. The teeth can become brittle, discolored, or even translucent. Sensitivity to temperature or unprovoked and spontaneous pain with one tooth might also be a symptom.
Since dental health professionals are usually the first to have the chance to notice symptoms of an eating disorder, they should take some responsibility in the intervention of an eating disorder. Dental health professionals can find scripts on multiple websites on how to approach and help a person that they fear might have fallen victim to an eating disorder. The National Eating Disorders Association has a basic script available for dentists to follow. This is a good starting point for dental health professionals who want to take a role in helping their patients overcome a potentially life threatening aliment.
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