How does bulimia affect your teeth? Signs of dental damage from vomiting

Key Points

• Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves cycles of binge eating and purging. It affects both physical and mental health.
• Stomach acid from purging can damage teeth, leading to worn enamel, cavities, and swollen salivary glands.
• Dental care helps, but bulimia treatment requires a team approach. This includes medical doctors, psychological counseling, and nutritional guidance from a registered dietitian.

Living with bulimia nervosa is an intensely challenging journey that affects every aspect of life. While you might be privately battling complex emotions and behaviors, your body – particularly your dental health – may silently suffer, potentially leading to "bulimia teeth."

Let's learn how bulimia affects your dental health and explore ways to protect yourself during treatment and recovery.

What is bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder that disrupts a person's relationship with food through repeated episodes of binge eating and purging.

Research shows that bulimia affects people of all ages, genders, and body sizes, though it commonly begins in adolescence or early adulthood.

During binges, individuals consume large amounts of food while feeling unable to stop or control themselves. They then attempt to prevent weight gain through methods such as self-induced vomiting, over-exercising, or laxative misuse.

Physical signs of bulimia include dental problems from stomach acid damage, swollen salivary glands, dehydration, and digestive issues. The condition also affects mental health, with many people experiencing anxiety, depression, and intense fear of weight gain.

How bulimia damages your teeth

Each time you purge, your teeth are exposed to highly acidic stomach contents—acidic enough to begin dissolving tooth enamel almost immediately.

When bulimia has a tight grip on you, the last thing on your mind might be the chemical reaction happening in your mouth during purging episodes. However, learning about this process can be a powerful motivator for seeking help.

Enamel erosion

The enamel on your teeth is a protective shield that keeps your smile bright and healthy. Unfortunately, it gradually wears away with each episode of self-induced vomiting due to stomach acid dissolving this vital barrier.

While this might feel scary to read, remember that identifying this early can help prevent further damage.

Increased cavity risk

As the protective enamel weakens, teeth become significantly more vulnerable to decay. Research has shown that individuals with bulimia are at a higher risk of developing dental cavities than those who do not have the condition.

However, this isn't meant to shame or frighten a person with bulimia; it’s information to help drive them to take protective steps.

But how do you tell if you or someone with bulimia needs help with oral care? Recognizing the signs of bulimia-related dental damage can help.

Signs of poor oral health from bulimia

Many individuals with bulimia may experience:

• Increasing sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Changes in tooth color or shape
• Tender or swollen areas around the jaw or ‘chipmunk cheeks’
• Frequent dry mouth
• Mouth sores or discomfort

Can a dentist tell if you are bulimic?

Dentists and dental hygienists are often the first to see signs of bulimia, as frequent vomiting can lead to a telltale pattern of tooth decay from repeated exposure to stomach acid. They may also notice bruises or injuries on the inside of the mouth if objects like toothbrushes were used to make yourself throw up.

"Consider opening up to your dentist about your oral health challenges from bulimia," says Registered Dietitian Rita Faycurry, RD. "If you're not comfortable with that, reach out to an eating disorder specialist who understands what you're going through."

The impact of dental damage on mental health

The relationship between bulimia nervosa and dental problems can feel overwhelming. Recent studies show that 54% of individuals with bulimia experience significant dental erosion.

"In my years of working with clients, I've seen how dental concerns can add another layer of anxiety to an already challenging situation," shares Faycurry, RD. "Many of my clients tell me they feel trapped in a cycle – they're aware of the damage to their teeth, which increases their stress, potentially triggering more bulimic behaviors. It's important to know that this is a common experience, and there are ways to break this cycle while protecting your dental health."

Prevention and treatment strategies

Recovery from bulimia requires a comprehensive treatment approach that includes both medical and dental professionals. Working with a registered dietitian is particularly crucial, as they can help develop sustainable eating patterns while addressing nutritional deficiencies that may impact oral health.

Potential short-term solutions

Short-term solutions include several protective measures to minimize damage to your teeth.

Faycurry, RD, says, “After a purging episode, it may be better to resist the urge to brush your teeth immediately because brushing may worsen the damage by scrubbing acids into softened enamel." Instead, consider rinsing your mouth with plain water to help neutralize and wash away the acids. However, the best way to protect your teeth and repair damage is to consult a healthcare provider.”

Staying well-hydrated throughout the day helps maintain healthy saliva production, your body's natural defense against acid damage. Your dentist may recommend specific fluoride products to strengthen your enamel.

While these measures can help reduce immediate damage, they're temporary solutions – the key to preventing further dental complications lies in seeking specialized care for bulimia treatment.

Longer-term solutions

While working with eating disorder specialists, maintaining regular dental care becomes a crucial supporting element. Think of dental treatments as part of your recovery journey rather than replacing the need for comprehensive eating disorder care.

True healing and prevention can only come through dedicated eating disorder treatment and recovery work. Protecting your dental health in the long term requires more than just dental care – it demands a comprehensive plan that directly addresses the underlying bulimia nervosa. 

Bulimia treatment includes psychological counseling, addressing physical symptoms of bulimia, nutritional counseling, and bulimia medication, when needed.

The role of eating disorder experts in bulimia treatment

"In my practice, we understand that recovery isn't linear," Faycurry, RD, notes. "Some days are harder than others, and that's okay. What matters is that we keep moving forward, protecting your health – one small step at a time. Every positive choice, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating."

Bulimia recovery isn't a journey you need to face alone. A team of caring professionals can support both your recovery and improve your dental and nutritional health.

Remember, you deserve support and care, both for your emotional well-being and your physical health.

Take the first step towards recovery. Find bulimia treatment near you, covered by insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.