Dental Problems with Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorders
Although eating disorders are often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional complications, perhaps the most painful are those leading to severe dental problems. To be sure, there is some overlap with respect to the specific impact each type of eating disorder has on our teeth and mouth.
Anorexia, Bulimia, and The Effects on Your Teeth
Professor Pierre Colon, a dental surgeon teaching restorative dentistry and endodontics, describes the havoc eating disorders wreak in your mouth: “In the first few years of the illness, teeth will become worn and cracked. Most of this damage is due to vomiting, and anorexia, where food is restricted, can also have harmful effects on the teeth. The lifestyle habits peculiar to these patients are always taken into account.”
Brain Chemistry and Anorexia
There are two divergent groups of brain imaging folks who believe dopamine [the “feel good” neurotransmitter] plays a role in disrupting the experience of hunger and appetite with those who restrict. Basically there are two theories on the table today. The first suggests over eating types of eating disorders involve dopamine serving as the “reward” […]
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a psychological illness with often devastating physical consequences. The sufferer usually has a morbid fear of weight gain and becoming fat, although this is not the case for all anorectics. Those suffering from anorexia will deprive themselves of food (and sometimes liquids), leading to weight loss and, usually, a variety of physical problems and health issues.
