Bulimia vs. Your Teeth

Bulimia is a form of eating disorder, similar in many ways to anorexia. Bulimic individuals will eat normally, but will immediately purge their food to avoid allowing it to be absorbed by their bodies. It’s not hard to see why this is a highly unhealthy condition, in that the individual is depriving herself of the nutrition she needs. It also entails a number of hazards for your oral health. Indeed, while a bulimic person is trying to preserve her figure, she is seriously compromising the appearance of her teeth.

The problem comes from all of the vomiting that a bulimic person does. Every time you regurgitate, the harsh acids of your digestive system are assaulting the vulnerable tissues of your throat and mouth. When you do this after every meal, the effects can be devastating. The acids break down tooth enamel, cause gums to recede, and burn your esophagus. This accounts for why bulimics are known to lose teeth.

If you or someone you know struggles with bulimia, visit Meadow Creek Dental in Issaquah to do the right thing for your oral health.