Robert A. Klement, DDS
Robert A. Klement, DDS will have a short bio with brief information on their background. Please check back soon or view the link below for more information.
Find Us:
1310 River Run Dr.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Find us
Patient Library
Find helpful information in our digital library.
Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (58)
- gum disease (5)
- periodontal disease (2)
- dental injury (6)
- mouthguards (6)
- oral health (18)
- oral hygiene (26)
- pediatric dentistry (6)
- teeth whitening (3)
- water (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (7)
- bridge (1)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- veneers (1)
- crown (2)
- tooth pain (4)
- root canal treatment (1)
- mouthguard (2)
- dental injuries (2)
- orthodontics (3)
- braces (5)
- clear orthodontic aligners (1)
- dental implants (14)
- smoking (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- composite resins (1)
- tooth decay (4)
- crowns (7)
- eating disorders (1)
- dental cleanings (1)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- tmd (1)
- tmj disorders (3)
- tmj (1)
- bad breath (1)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- thumb sucking (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- removable dentures (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- dental emergency (2)
- dentures (1)
- bonding (2)
- mouth rash (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- sugar (1)
- nutrition (2)
- chipped tooth (4)
- teeth wear (1)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- orthodontic treatment (2)
- retainers (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- flossing (2)
- fillings (2)
- missing tooth (1)
- x-rays (1)
- root canal (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- retainer (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- partial denture (1)
- dental care (1)
- aspirin (1)
- dental visit (1)
- baby teeth (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- bridgework (1)
Categories:
Eating Disorders May Contribute to Damaged Teeth and Gums
While most dental problems are caused by disease or trauma, sometimes the root problem is psychological. Such is the case with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder that could contribute to dental erosion.
Dental erosion is the loss of mineral structure from tooth enamel caused by elevated levels of acid in the mouth, which can increase the risk for decay and eventual tooth loss. While elevated acid levels are usually related to inadequate oral hygiene or over-consumption of acidic foods and beverages, the practice of self-induced vomiting after food binging by bulimic patients may also cause it. Some of the strong stomach acid brought up by vomiting may remain in the mouth afterward, which can be particularly damaging to tooth enamel.
It’s often possible to detect bulimia-related erosion during dental exams. The bottom teeth are often shielded by the tongue during vomiting, so erosion may be more pronounced on the unshielded upper front teeth. The salivary glands may become enlarged, giving a puffy appearance to the sides of the face below the ears. The back of the mouth can also appear red and swollen from the use of fingers or objects to induce vomiting.
Self-induced vomiting may not be the only cause for dental erosion for bulimics. Because the disorder causes an unhealthy focus on body image, bulimics may become obsessed with oral hygiene and go overboard with brushing and flossing. Aggressive brushing (especially just after throwing up when the tooth enamel may be softened) can also damage enamel and gum tissue.
Treatment must involve both a short — and long-term approach. Besides immediate treatment for dental erosion, a bulimic patient can minimize the effect of acid after vomiting by not brushing immediately but rinsing instead with water, mixed possibly with a little baking soda to help neutralize the acid. In the long-term, though, the eating disorder itself must be addressed. Your family doctor is an excellent starting point; you can also gain a great deal of information, both about eating disorders and treatment referrals, from the National Eating Disorders Association at their website, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
The effects of bulimia are devastating to mental and physical well-being, and no less to dental health. The sooner the disorder can be treated the better the person’s chance of restoring health to their mind, body — and mouth.
If you would like more information on the effect of eating disorders on oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Bulimia, Anorexia & Oral Health.”