Bulimia is an emotional disorder that causes a person to vomit immediately after they eat. The effects on eating disorders, such as bulimia, can be devastating on the body, but they can also affect your teeth.
Because of the amount of acid present in stomach contents that come into direct contact with the teeth when we vomit, people who suffer from bulimia can be more susceptible to several dental conditions.
Dental Damage from Bulimia
Acid in the mouth is not a good thing and when the hydrochloric acid from chronic purging touches the surface of the teeth, it can damage them. Here are some symptoms that come from purging:
•
Enamel or tooth erosion.
•
Dental cavities.
•
Chronic sore throat.
•
Dry mouth.
•
Bad breath.
•
Gum disease.
•
Decreased saliva production.
•
Salivary gland enlargement.
•
Broken or cracked teeth.
•
Chewing difficulties.
•
Reversal of previous dental work.
The damage to the teeth and mouth from bulimia is often first spotted by our dentists. While we can care for all your dental issues, such as filling cavities, repairing cracked teeth, and treating gum disease, the most important thing is that you get treatment for the bulimia.
Despite what may seem like a situation where there is no turning back, bulimia can be treated successfully if the person seeks help.
One of the first steps in treating the disease can be found in our office with our staff who will be happy to give you all the assistance that you require. By putting together the best team, we will address all the oral care concerns you have and discuss the best treatment with you.
We may also be able to give you something to protect your teeth until you are recovered from the disease. Once the bulimia is under control, we can start the tooth restoration needed. Even if you have lost teeth in the process, there are many options for cosmetic surgery.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 + (971) 708-1608 + centurydentalllc.com + 5/22/2025 + Related Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR