Articles

What are Eating Disorders
Common Symptoms Anorexia
Common Symptoms Bulimia
Common Symptoms Binge Eating Disorder
Help For Supporters
Enter Intensive Care
Real People - Poems, True Stories, Biographies
Going Underground
S.E.C.R.E.T.S To A New Life
Activity Plan
Recovery Plan
Dietary Eating Advice
Dental Surgery
Deadly Serious

Resources & Links

HubDex
Eating Disorders Association



Dental Problems


As a result of frequent vomiting the enamel layer over the teeth is seriously damaged.  This is caused by the stomach acid constantly coming in contact with your teeth. Remember we are talking about acid in your stomach which breaks down substances in your stomach, so it also very capable in breaking down anything else it comes in contact with.

Eventually the acid will expose the nerve endings in your teeth and cause a great deal pain and discomfort. Basically you are slowly rotting your teeth.  Unfortunately, unless the sufferer stops self-induced vomiting then nothing can be done successfully to preserve the teeth.

It is a common ritual that after vomiting many sufferers scrub their teeth. This act seriously damages the surface crystals on the enamel layer. Brushing may help cover your secret short term and freshen your breath initially but the damage you cause is irreversible and will becom obvious in time. 

Do you honestly want people avoiding you because you have disgusting bad breath caused by your decaying teeth ? Remember bad breath is like body odour,  you are the last person to realize you have it …..  If you continue to self induce vomiting then this is something that YOU are not in CONTROL of. It WILL happen to you,  it’s not IF it happens it’s WHEN it happens.  It is inevitable, particularly if you have a high frequency of binge and vomiting in your diet.

Remember you dentist is an expert on teeth and will notice the slow deterioration.  It is probably best to be honest and tell them about your eating disorder as it saves trying to invent stories to explain the abnormal fragile state of your teeth.  It is very important to go for regular check-ups at least every six months, and more often if your gums start to bleed a lot.