Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge-Eating are the most common eating disorders and can often be detected by your dentist.
Often times the patient sees their dentist more frequently than their physicians so it is often that signs of an eating disorder can be detected by the dentist and help can be provided.
How can eating disorders affect the health of your mouth?
Negative effects of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can cause the body to shut down and not function properly and that will also be reflected in the mouth. Oral signs of eating disorders include:
- Enamel erosion
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged salivary glands
- Cracked/dry lips
- Mouth sores
- Tooth decay
- Sensitive teeth
- Red or swollen gums
The Good News!
Your dentist should be able to detect early signs. However, it is also very important that the patient communicates any concerns they may have to the dentist to get further help. There is also an Eating Disorder Helpline to help the patient.
