Effects of Binge-Purge Syndrome on your Teeth

Bulimia Nervosa or simply Bulimia is an eating disorder in which people consume large amounts of food in a short amount of time followed by Purging. It refers to getting rid of the excess food consumed. This can be achieved using laxatives or over-exercising. This constant cycle of eating and throwing up or bingeing-purging makes it difficult for our internal organs like heart and kidneys. But moreover, it is especially damaging for our teeth.

Chronic gastric reflux or simply vomiting is very harmful to our teeth. The stomach acids are strong enough to break down any food and digest it. This same corrosive acid can corrode away the enamel at the time of purging which could lead to tooth decay. This is the reason why it is recommended to brush after vomiting.

The following can be the result of constant Bingeing and Purging:

Cavities: The acids in our stomach are strong enough to dissolve the food we eat. So this could prove very harmful and corroding our enamel and leaving small holes on our teeth. Constant eating or bingeing could contribute to tooth decay even more. The cavities may become big enough to make you lose your tooth.

Brittle Yellow Teeth: Although the natural color of our teeth is yellow, but the purging can make them more yellow to the extent where our smile could make us be the topic for laughing. The corrosion of the tooth may make the texture and hardness of the teeth worse. You will be more prone to loose teeth as they will become more brittle.

Affected Salivary glands: The salivary glands are responsible for the saliva production which helps us chew and digest our food. It also helps wash the remaining food particles stuck in our teeth. Constant Bingeing-Purging could irritate the glands and result in a swollen jaw. The effects of swollen salivary glands should go down once the bingeing and purging is stopped.

Mouth Sores: Painful sores are also one of the results of constant bingeing and purging. The acid that corrodes the hard enamel can wear away the skin with ease. This can leave painful sores on the lips, mouth, and throat.

Your teeth will hurt a lot once the enamel wears off exposing the inner dentin. This will lead to tooth sensitivity and make eating and drinking even more painful. The only possible treatment will be visiting the dentist to fill the holes in your teeth, and treat the cavities. The most important thing to do is to stop binge eating. Try to get medical help to keep control of your eating habits for a long term treatment for Bulimia. Ensure that you do maintain good oral hygiene with proper brushing and flossing twice a day. Using a fluoride toothpaste could help somewhat retain lost minerals. Flossing with Oracura Water Flosser could help get rid of the remaining food particles stuck on your teeth.

If there is someone who is suffering from Binge-Purge Syndrome, help them seek help in order to prevent irreparable damage to their teeth and body.