Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa

Both are eating and psychiatric compulsive disorders. Symptoms of each disorder (as defined by the American Psychiatric Association) are explained below.

Bulimia symptoms include:

- Binge eating episodes (minimum average of two episodes a week for at least three months)
- Feelings a lack of control during binges
- Regular use of self-induced vomiting and laxatives or diuretics to prevent weight gain
- Strict dieting or fasting
- Vigorous exercising
- Overconcern with body shape and weight

Anorexia nervosa symptoms include:

- Refusal to maintain a normal weight for age and height
- Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
- Distorted body image
- In women, three consecutive missed menstrual periods without pregnancy

Eating Disorders and the Body

Bulimia's extreme vomiting upsets your body's balance of chemicals and cause serious effects such as:

- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Thinning bones
- Damage to the stomach and esophagus
- Skin rashes
- In women, irregular menstrual cycles
- Broken blood vessels in the face


During anorexia disorders, the body responds to starvation by slowing or stopping body processes:

- Breathing slows
- Blood pressure lowers
- Body temperature lowers
- Lightheadedness
- Can't tolerate cold and soft hair (lanugo) forms on skin for warmth
- Constipation
- In women, menstruation can stop
- Growth gland (thyroid) diminishes
- Skin becomes dry
- Hair and nails become brittle
- Joint swelling


Eating Disorders and Oral Health

Common results of eating disorders on oral health include:

- Dental enamel erosion from exposure to acid in vomit
- Cavities increase due to excessive carbohydrate intake
- Dryness of mouth caused by decrease of salivary flow and parotid gland dysfunction
- Redness in throat
- Enlargement of salivary gland
- Lesions on palate caused by contact with objects used to induce vomiting
- Sensitivity to cold and hot liquids and foods
- Dry lips
- Discolored teeth or dull teeth from acid
- Gum recession
- Bleeding of gums
- Erosion of teeth, which can raise fillings, braces and restoration


Treatment for Eating Disorders

Early treatment is very important because some damage can become irreversible. Treatment options include:

- Psychotherapy
- Nutrition counseling
- Self-help groups
- Behavior modification


Treatment for Eating Disorders, Restoring Oral Health

After a disorder is identified and treatment is sought, there are some things that help to restore oral health:

- Eat nutritious meal from the five major food groups
- Reduce sugar in your diet
- Chew sugarless gum to increase salivation
- Remove plaque by brushing and flossing
- Use fluoride in toothpaste, rinses or gels to reduce tooth sensitivity

Many patients with eating disorders respond well to behavorial therapy. In addition, some psychiatric medications have been helpful in treating some cases. Depending on the severity of the disorder, hospitalization may occur. If you think someone you know has an eating disorder, confront that person in a nonjudgmental way and encourage him/her to get medical help.

If you have any questions or concerns about eating disorders and your oral health, contact your hygienist or dentist.