Your dietary habits have a large impact on your overall and oral health. Nothing is more detrimental to both than eating disorders. While many are aware of the consequences that these disorders can have on your health, few understand the implications that are produced for your teeth and gums. The harmful habits associated with the poor nutritional choices can deplete your body of vital nutrients, causing significant damage to the teeth and gums. To restore your oral health, you will need the help of a trusted dentist.
Eating Disorders and Your Oral Health
Eating disorders often lead to nutritional deficiencies, which will compromise the health of your teeth and gums. Without a balanced diet, the gums and soft tissues can become irritated easily, resulting in bleeding. In some cases, the glands that produce saliva can become inflamed, leading to dry mouth, which increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
If your diet lacks calcium, iron, and vitamin B, you will develop a heightened risk for both tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, sores can develop in the oral cavities while the gums can become red and swollen. Without the right nutrients, chronic dry mouth can occur, as well as dehydration, leading to dry and cracked lips.
When an eating disorder is present that results in frequent vomiting, the acids from the stomach will erode the teeth, causing them to become more prone to tooth decay and sensitivity. Over time, they may become brittle and break. If the vomiting is self-induced with purging, it can lead to scratches and sores in the mouth, which can easily become infected.
Your temporomandibular joint can be affected as well as degenerative arthritis can develop. This will reduce the jaws mobility, making everyday tasks like speaking, chewing, and yawning painful.
Restore Your Oral Health
When living with an eating disorder, it is important to seek treatment and support of a caring professional to help you overcome the challenge. While on your road to recovery, your dentist can repair the damage that has occurred to the teeth and gums.
After an initial consultation, a customized treatment plan is developed, which can include several procedures, as well as improved oral hygiene habits. With the right care from your dentist and a medical professional, you can help to reverse the complications caused by an eating disorder.
Get a Healthy Smile Today
If your teeth and gums are damaged due to the complications of an eating disorder, it is best to contact a dentist that you trust to help you achieve a happy, healthy smile.
About Dr. Les Latner
Dr. Les Latner is a trusted and respected dentist in the community who provides individualized solutions to help you reach your oral health goals. With a focus on each patient’s comfort and integrity, he provides caring dental services to cater to your specific needs. If you need help repairing the damage caused by an eating disorder, contact Westside Dental Associates today to get personalized, comfortable care.