People with eating
disorders can suffer from oral health problems as well. This is because many of
the behaviors associated with anorexia
nervosa and bulimia nervosa—such as binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and
use of diuretics or laxatives—cause changes in the mouth.
For example, repeated episodes of vomiting, which is common in
people with bulimia, release harmful stomach acids that pass through the mouth
and can erode tooth enamel, causing cavities, discoloration and tooth
loss. Other problems, such as poorly fitting fillings and braces, are
another byproduct of such eating disorders.
Brushing after episodic vomiting is actually more harmful than
one would think. The best practice is to rinse thoroughly with a neutral
solution such as baking soda and water.