24/12/2022
EATING DISORDERS are dangerous psychological conditions in which one’s negative feelings, often about their bodies or food, affects their eating behavior.
In addition to having a negative impact on an individual’s health and quality of life, eating disorders also affect self-image, relationships with families and friends, and performance in school or at work.
Eating disorders such as ANOREXIA , BULIMIA and BINGE EATING DISORDER , all have negative effects on the mouth. Their symptoms can range from slight to severe and dental professionals are often the among the first to identify possible red flags.
WHAT IS ANOREXIA ?
- People with Anorexia Nervosa limit their intake of food and drink and have a fear of gaining weight.
- Many people with anorexia attribute their self worth to their caloric intake and punish themselves for eating too much or eating the “wrong types” of foods.
- They try to get rid of excess calories and weight through exercise, vomiting, taking laxatives or using enemas.
WHAT IS BULIMIA ?
- Bulimia nervosa is a binge eating disorder and is diagnosed based on binge-purge patterns of suffers.
- Such people binge (taking in an excessive amount of calories in one sitting) and purge (expelling food/calories through excessive exercise, taking laxatives or forcing yourself to vomit) .
WHAT IS BINGE EATING DISORDER ?
- Eaters will often take in large quantities of food and/or drink without feeling like they are in control of what they are doing,
- These binges can be planned ahead of time with the sufferer buying “special” foods to binge on, or they could be spontaneous.
- Binge eaters are not " overindulging " on foods. These are not enjoyable experiences and often cause a lot of distress and embarrassment for sufferers.
- They eat faster than normal, eating until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts of food when you don't feel hungry, eating alone through embarrassment, and feelings of disgust, shame or guilt during/ after the binge.
- Unlike bulimia sufferers,those with binge eating disorder will not purge after a binge.
PREVENTION
- Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional and social issues all of which need to be addressed to help prevent and treat these disorders.
- Family and friends can help by setting good examples about eating and offering positive comments about healthy eating practices.
- While eating disorders appear to focus on body image, food and weight, they are often related to many other issues.
- Referral to health professionals and encouragement to seek treatment is critical as early diagnosis and intervention greatly improve the opportunities for recovery.
HOW CAN EATING DISORDERS AFFECT THE HEALTH OF YOUR MOUTH ?
- All of these eating disorders, have negative effects on sufferers' bodies and should be treated as serious health conditions.
- Potential negative effects of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can cause the body to shut down and not function properly.
- Revealing oral signs of eating disorders include:
🦷 ENAMEL EROSION
🦷 DRY MOUTH
🦷 ENLARGED SALIVARY GLANDS
🦷 CRACKED/ DRY LIPS
🦷 MOUTH SORES
🦷 TOOTH DECAY
🦷 SENSITIVE TEETH
🦷 BRUISING AND/ OR INJURY TO THE MOUTH
If you suffer from an eating disorder these practices can reduce oral health problems associated with it :
✅ Maintain meticulous oral health care related to toothbrushing and flossing.
✅ Immediately after vomiting/ throwing up, DO NOT brush, but rinse with baking soda to help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid.
✅ Consult your dentist about your specific treatment needs.