Overview
In many cases, vomiting can and will cause damage to your teeth. Typically, your dentist will notice certain changes that indicate the levels of damage are progressing. For example, your dentist may notice a sore, red, or dry tongue, as well as bruises on the roof of your mouth. Your dentist might also notice salivary glands that are swollen, as well as persistent sore throat.
Why Procedure is Used
When you vomit, stomach acids are released into your mouth. These acids may erode tooth enamel, which will increase risk of developing tooth decay. In bulimics, the decay may occur more often in the upper front teeth, on the surfaces closest to the tongue. You may also notice increased sensitivity to heat and cold. As the erosion gets worse, it can affect your bite, as well as cause your teeth to shrink. Even though it amy take about three years for erosion to become obvious, it will eventually cause damage.
Patient Concerns to be Addressed
Unfortunately, bulimia also tends to cause malnourishment. This, in turn will cause difficult with healing, as well as increase risks associated with gum disease. Once you begin receiving treatment for bulimia, it may take some time before you actually stop vomiting. Therefore, it is very important to see your dentist more often.
How Is Procedure Performed?
In order to reduce tooth decay and other injuries caused by vomited stomach acid, it is important to rinse your mouth out with water, as well as mouthwash that has fluoride in it. If you need to brush your teeth, you should not do so after vomiting. Unfortunately, the stomach acid that remains on your teeth will weaken tooth enamel even more when you brush the surfaces. When you brush your teeth, it is important to use one that has a lot of fluoride in it. Your dentist can also give you a daily fluoride wash or gel to help protect your teeth. He/she may also be able to give you saliva replacements, as well as a mouthguard that will help prevent stomach acid from getting onto your teeth.
Post-Operative Concerns
Ideally, your dentist should be included in your treatment plans for bulimia. After you are done with treatment fro this disorder, you may need to have a good bit of work done on your teeth. Among other things, you may need fillings, crowns, and extractions. As may be expected, if teeth have to be removed, you may also need to get dental implants or bridges.
Perils of Disease
As you may be aware, bulimia can be part of a cluster of illnesses. For example, it may occur if you have a history of drug abuse, anxiety, or depressive disorders. In some cases, the medications used to treat these conditions can also affect your dental wellness. Therefore, it will be to your advantage to let your doctor know what you are taking, so that he/she can formulate a viable plan to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.