Bulimia nervosa is a complex eating disorder that affects both the body and the mind. Let’s explore exactly what this disorder is and why it is crucial to understand its impact on the dental health of those who suffer from it.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. These behaviors may include:
- Self-induced vomiting
- Misuse of laxatives or diuretics
- Fasting
- Excessive exercise
People with bulimia often have an excessive preoccupation with their weight and body shape, which significantly influences their self-esteem.
Main Characteristics of Bulimia Nervosa
- Binge Eating: Consumption of an amount of food larger than what most people would eat in similar circumstances, within a short period of time.
- Sense of Loss of Control: During binge eating episodes, the person feels they cannot stop eating or control what or how much they are eating.
- Compensatory Behaviors: Actions aimed at preventing weight gain after binge eating episodes.
- Self-Evaluation Influenced: Weight and body shape have an excessive influence on the person’s self-assessment.
Relationship Between Bulimia and Dental Health
As we have seen, bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, the most common being purging through self-induced vomiting.
This binge-purge cycle has a devastating effect on dental health due to several factors:
- Erosion of Dental Enamel:
- The gastric acid that reaches the mouth during vomiting has a very low pH (around 2.0).
- This acid is capable of dissolving the minerals in dental enamel, the protective layer of the teeth.
- Over time, this leads to thinning and weakening of the enamel.
- Changes in Dental Structure:
- The loss of enamel can cause changes in the shape and color of the teeth.
- Teeth may become more yellowish, as enamel is whiter than the underlying dentin.
- The edges of the teeth may become thinner and more translucent.
- Increased Dental Sensitivity:
- As enamel erodes, teeth become more sensitive to cold, heat, and acidic or sweet foods.
- This can cause significant pain and discomfort during eating.
- Higher Risk of Cavities:
- Weakened enamel is more susceptible to cavity formation.
- Dietary changes associated with bulimia (such as consuming high-sugar foods during binge episodes) also increase this risk.
- Problems with Gums and Soft Tissues:
- Frequent vomiting can irritate and damage the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth.
- This can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and a higher risk of infections.
- Bite Alterations:
- Dental erosion can change the way teeth align and fit together.
- This can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and pain while chewing.
Preventive and Care Measures
Although treatment for bulimia is essential to prevent further damage, there are measures that can help protect dental health:
- Do not brush immediately after vomiting:
- Brushing right after can increase erosion of the already weakened enamel.
- Instead, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with water or a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid.
- Use of special mouthwashes and toothpastes:
- Products with high fluoride content can help strengthen the enamel.
- Mouthwashes that help restore the mouth’s pH are beneficial.
- Proper hydration:
- Drinking enough water helps dilute acids in the mouth and stimulates saliva production.
- Regular visits to the dentist:
- Frequent check-ups can help detect and treat problems early.
- Dentists can apply professional fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel.
- Consider using mouthguards:
- In severe cases, dentists may recommend the use of mouthguards to minimize contact between acid and teeth during vomiting.
It is crucial to understand that, while these measures can help mitigate dental damage, treating bulimia itself is essential for long-term oral health. A multidisciplinary approach that includes psychological, nutritional, and dental care is fundamental to addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of this disorder.
Professional registration Nº 28004040
Degree in Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous University of Madrid
Degree in Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
Master’s Degree in Aesthetic Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid
University Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, San Rafael Hospital, Madrid
University Specialist in Individual and Public Oral Preventive Programs, Complutense University of Madrid
Director of Radiodiagnostic Facilities
Medical Director, Smiling Dental Center
Specialist in Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Bruce Crispin, Los Angeles, California
Member of the Spanish Society of Prosthodontics (SEPES)
CPR Course
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