Last reviewed:
May 11th 2023
M.A., LPCC
Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder that is typically characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging, such as vomiting. Bulimia can cause many different physical health problems, including issues with dental health, which can be improved with professional help from physicians, therapists, and dentists.
Bulimia nervosa is a mental health condition that impacts eating behaviors and attitudes around body image. Typically, individuals with bulimia engage in binge eating episodes, in which they will eat an excessive amount of food in a short time, followed by purging episodes, which can include self-induced vomiting, abusing laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercising [1].
Bulimia can have serious physical effects, impacting various areas of the body and causing damage to vital organs. Oral health can also be severely affected by bulimia nervosa, particularly in those who engage in self-induced vomiting, as this causes various effects to the teeth, mouth, and throat [2][3].
When an individual vomits, stomach acid enters the mouth which can cause damage to the teeth and gums. Because of this, frequent vomiting can cause ongoing and increasing damage, including dental erosion and decay, and sores in the mouth [4].
Individuals with bulimia might brush their teeth immediately after vomiting, in an attempt to hide the behavior or remove the taste, which in fact causes more damage, as the stomach acid is brushed into the teeth, increasing the risk of erosion [5].
Furthermore, when inducing vomiting, individuals often use their fingers or an item pushed to the back of the throat, which can cause sores or damage to the mouth and throat [6].
Oral health can also be impacted by dehydration, which not only occurs in those with bulimia who engage in self-induced vomiting but can also occur in those who utilize laxatives and diuretics or excessive exercising to manage weight [5][7].
Dehydration and excessive vomiting can cause a reduction in saliva, which may lead to many changes in oral health, including dry mouth, pain with swallowing, changes in taste, and swollen salivary glands [7][8].
Individuals with bulimia may regularly consume foods with a high sugar content, either to manage cravings and hunger, or as part of a binge eating episode in which large quantities of these foods could be consumed. This can also be very detrimental to oral health as sugar causes damage to teeth and gums, such as erosion and decay [2].
Changes to oral health caused by bulimia can include:
Early signs of bulimia may include various changes in behavior and eating habits, such as [1]:
As bulimia often causes complications to oral health, it is possible that the presence of the condition could first be suspected by the individual’s dentist, who may notice signs such as [6]:
Trying to manage or prevent severe consequences on oral health caused by bulimia can be challenging if the condition itself is not yet being treated, as ongoing purging will likely continue worsening oral health. However, it is important to practice good dental hygiene regardless, as it may help to manage the severity of this impact [6].
For example, it is advised that individuals wait at least an hour after vomiting before brushing their teeth, as this allows time for the stomach acid that has entered the mouth to be mostly cleared, thus preventing brushing the acid onto the teeth further. Washing out or rinsing the mouth after vomiting can also help with this [6][7].
As is advised for all, those with bulimia should brush their teeth twice per day, as well as flossing to protect teeth and gums. [2].
Additionally, it is recommended for those with bulimia to regularly attend the dentist. Although dental issues such as erosion, decay, and cavities may be irreversible, dentists can help to manage these complications, as well as any pain that may occur, while providing appropriate advice [7].
The best way to manage oral health effects of bulimia is to treat the condition itself. Seeking professional help can be challenging but is often necessary to receive the best chance of recovery and prevent serious or fatal health consequences. This might include input from physicians, therapists, dieticians, and other eating disorder specialists [1][3].
Prolonged or untreated bulimia can lead to several physical health complications. Some of these complication can be improved or reversed with professional treatment, while others may cause long-term health issues.
Some of the other potential physical effects of bulimia nervosa include [1][3]:
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