The Eating Disorders (ED), such as anorexia or bulimia, are one of the most common mental health conditions in Spanish society in recent years, especially among young women between 12 and 21 years old.

It is the third most common chronic disease among adolescents, which makes its consequences increasingly dangerous, since They affect both the psychological and physiological levels.. The oral health It is one of the main affected, and we will tell you why.

What are eating disorders and how do they affect mental health?

EDs or Eating Disorders are, according to the Association against Anorèxia and Bulímia, serious psychological disorders that lead to alterations in eating behavior where the affected person shows a strong concern in relation to weight, body image and diet.

Anorexia and bulimia, the most common disorders of this disease, directly affect behaviors, personal relationships and perception of reality of the affected person, who distorts the image of his own body. 

Although each case develops in a different way, it is true that both conditions can be combined, alternate or follow each other, causing similar consequences on the physical health of the affected person.

Consequences of eating disorders: anorexia and bulimia

This radical modification of eating behavior and perception of reality brings with it both physical and mental consequences, affecting the regular behaviors and lifestyle of the people who suffer from it.

mental factors

• Depression or suicidal thoughts.
• Bipolar or personality problems.
• Anxiety, stress or panic attacks.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Both physical and mental isolation from personal relationships.

physical factors

• Muscle weakness and loss of body mass.
• Continuous migraines or headaches.
• Radical mood swings and bad behavior.
• urine infections
• Sleep disturbance.
• Damage to oral health.

How do TCAs affect teeth?

Teeth become one of the main physical aspects affected as a consequence of eating disorders. Due to episodes of binge eating and vomiting, as well as a lack of nutrients, these can impact your health over time.

Tooth wear and fractures

The acids expelled from the stomach gradually destroy the enamel on the teeth, causing, over time, their wear and the generation of breaks. They reduce their size and become smaller and smaller.

Pain and hypersensitivity

In the same way, these acids wear away the outer layer that protects the tooth, reaching the dentin and causing greater sensitivity to external factors. In the long run, it can lead to intense pain when coming into contact with external stimuli.

Appearance of cavities

The lowering of defenses that the human body suffers due to malnutrition during these periods, together with the consumption of products with a high level of sugar to satisfy hunger, can cause gum problems, such as cavities.

Osteoporosis

One of the main consequences of bulimia or anorexia is osteoporosis, also known as the wearing down and weakening of bones. In this sense, they affect the maxillary bones that support the tooth, causing his fall.  

Can a dentist warn about TCA?

The dentist must act always as a preventative agent of a possible TCA in your patients, as it can identify wear, breakage or irregular reduction in the size of teeth.

This will be part of the care and prevention process for possible victims with eating disorders, although the issue must be addressed with care. exclusive care and delicacy before suggesting a change of specialist.

We help you restore your smile

Whatever your situation, at Dental Corbella we help you protect your oral health through a wide range of treatments: from reconstructions to dental implants, and all of this through a 100% painless process thanks to our monitored sedation.

You want to know more? We are waiting for you in our centers or making an appointment on our website to complete your recovery process and give you back your smile.