Dental Care for Eating Disorders – Boston, MA

Understanding Eating Disorder’s Effects on Oral Health

The severity of dental problems induced by eating disorders decreases with good oral hygiene habits and increases with the frequency and degree of vomiting. Common symptoms of eating disorders that are detected in routine dental examinations include:

• Tooth Erosion: Teeth affected by eating disorders will have a smooth glassy appearance void of stains or lines. If the back teeth are affected there is often a loss of the biting surfaces of these teeth and they become highly susceptible to decay and more serious infections of the nerves within these teeth. Stages of advanced tooth erosion can lead to damage in the root of the tooth as well as eventual temperature sensitivity.
• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is known as xerostomia, and it is an uncomfortable condition that can be caused by several factors associated with eating disorders, including abuse of laxatives, diuretics, and dehydration from fasting and vomiting. Dry Mouth is indicated by a decrease in the production of saliva.
• Dental Problems Resulting from Decreased Saliva Production: Lack of saliva leads to gum disease, tooth decay, and an uncomfortable condition called burning mouth syndrome. Saliva cleans the mouth constantly. As it circulates through the mouth, it clears food debris that may act as a food supply for the bacteria in plaque. Therefore, with dry mouth, the decreased levels of saliva make way for increased bacterial infection, which can lead to a host of dental problems. Saliva also reduces the pH (acidity) of dental plaque waste products, which helps limit tooth decay induced by the plaque.
• Visible Symptoms: Tissues in the mouth can become irritated and traumatized by eating disorders. Symptoms such as redness of the throat and roof of the mouth (palate), reddened cracked lips, and enlarged parotid salivary glands are often observed.

How We Can Help

Many others have felt the discomfort or shame that makes the first visit a difficult beginning. Dr. Jill Smith and her team at Dental Health and Wellness Boston have years of experience and are here to help you. Our membership in the Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association (MEDA) has allowed Dr. Smith to change people’s lives by increasing their confidence and self-esteem. Let us change your life too!

• Fluoride Mouthwash: Dental Health & Wellness Boston recommends using a fluoride mouthwash or fluoride application to help counter the effects the acid and erosion have had on your teeth. In many cases, custom trays are made to hold the fluoride and make the treatment more concentrated and effective.
• Remineralizing Toothpaste: A revolutionary new product to facilitate oral health for bulimic patients is M.I. Paste Plus. This toothpaste actually remineralizes and strengthens tooth enamel and is prescribed for maximum protection.
• Recommendations for Those Struggling with Eating Disorders: To reduce the chances of enamel erosion and gum disease for those who have not yet been able to completely stop vomiting, Dr. Smith advises patients to rinse with sodium bicarbonate to lower or neutralize the acid in the mouth right away after purging. It is now advised not to brush your teeth right after purging as it may cause increased damage.
• Tooth Restorations: Restoration of eroded teeth will be recommended if you have lost the protective enamel covering of your teeth to cover the exposed dentin, or inner portion of the tooth. Options such as composite resins, onlays, or crowns will be discussed to replace the lost tooth structure and the teeth from future acid if the eating disorder was to persist.

Dental Health and Wellness Boston Provides:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every person is different. We develop unique treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and schedule.
• Access to Experienced Staff: Our team of dental professionals has many years of experience treating patients with Eating Disorders and Anorexia.
• Professional Referrals: If needed, we can refer you to Boston’s best mental health professionals that specialize in eating disorders.
• Respect and Privacy: Eating disorders create emotional conflicts. We have the highest level of respect for your privacy.

A New Beginning

For so many just like you, restoration of your teeth with Dr. Smith at Dental Health & Wellness Boston symbolizes so much more than replacing lost tooth structure. Your new smile represents to you and the world a healthy start on your path to healing.