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Bulimia is a
serious eating disorder characterized by binge eating
and purging. Dentists are often the first to diagnose
the condition. Bulimics often have severe erosion of the
front teeth and bad breath, the result of stomach acids
contacting teeth during self-induced vomiting.
According to
the National Eating Disorders Association, up to 89% of
bulimic patients show signs of tooth erosion.
Other signs of
bulimia may include:
- Teeth
becoming brittle, translucent and sensitive to
temperature.
- Swollen
salivary glands, which can cause the jaw to widen.
- Reddened,
dry and cracked lips.
- Chronic dry
mouth.
Up to 3 percent
of adolescent girls will develop bulimia, according to
the U.S. Surgeon General. The disorder injures not only
a patient's teeth, but also her muscles and major
organs.
For more
information, go to
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. |
