Watch Out for Bulimia A life-threatening eating disorder, bulimia nervosa also has serious consequences for oral health. Protect your teen by knowing the signs of this illness and working with your child’s dentist to identify it early on. What is it? Effects on oral health People with bulimia are Dry mouth: Using laxatives and preoccupied with food and other medication to purge can dry their weight. The disorder is out the mouth, leaving teeth and characterized by: gums more susceptible to bacteria. Bingeing: Eating large amounts of Frequent vomiting can also damage food in a short amount of time. the salivary glands that produce saliva. Purging: Getting rid of the food rapidly through the use of exercise, Gum disease and decay: Both laxatives or, most commonly, the lack of saliva and presence of vomiting. stomach acid encourage cavities and gum disease. Effects on teeth Tissue damage: Sores in the Tooth erosion: Stomach acid from mouth and throat are a common vomiting wears down enamel, result of frequent vomiting. Other leaving teeth brittle, glassy or signs include cracked lips, a red yellow. and irritated throat and enlarged salivary glands. Tooth sensitivity: When enamel is damaged, teeth can be especially sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. We keep you smiling® deltadentalins.com/enrollees Be proactive Recognize the signs Make sure your child receives Here are some common oral regular dental checkups. Your problems associated with bulimia: dentist may be able to: • Bad breath or dry mouth • Detect enamel erosion due to • Sensitive teeth bulimia during oral exams • Teeth that are worn, eroded or • Offer harm-reduction strategies appear almost translucent • Recommend a therapist who • Tender mouth, throat and salivary specializes in eating disorders glands • Mouth sores, cracked lips or bleeding gums Get help Recovery from an eating disorder can be difficult and painful. Turn to a professional for treatment and support. Did you know that an estimated 1.5% of women have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime?1 1 Hudson et al. The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biol Psychiatry. 2007;61(3):348-58. Our Delta Dental enterprise includes these companies in these states: Delta Dental of California — CA, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania — PA & MD, Delta Dental of West Virginia, Inc. — WV, Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. — DE, Delta Dental of the District of Columbia — DC, Delta Dental of New York, Inc. — NY, Delta Dental Insurance Company — AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, MT, NV, TX and UT. Copyright © 2017 Delta Dental. All rights reserved. EF48 #102655 (rev. 12/16).