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Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two serious eating disorders that, among other conditions, can result in damage to the dentition. These eating disorders are more common with young females in their teens to late twenties. With anorexia the patient has an exaggerated perception of their body type and size. 
 

They believe that they are overweight regardless how underweight they may be, and have an inordinate fear of gaining weight. The disease is manifested by starvation, use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting all done with the objective of losing weight. 

The disease is manifested by starvation, use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting all done with the objective of losing weight. A bulimic person engages in a secret cycle of eating binges that are followed by self-induced vomiting. 

The difference is that the patient is often normal in weight and appearance, but medical problems eventually surface from this harmful condition. With both conditions, it is the excessive vomiting that eventually damages the dental enamel. 

The acidic nature of the vomit dissolves the calcium of the enamel, giving it a unique appearance, because the acid contacts the inner surfaces of the teeth. This gives the enamel an unnatural shinny, smooth surface, as well as a yellowish colour since the underlying yellow dentin shows up prominently when the outer enamel layer is removed by the acid. 

Unfortunately, this enamel is lost forever and it is important to find a cure for these conditions as soon as possible. The dentist can usually bond or crown these teeth to protect and restore them to theire original form. Fortunately, the dentist is often the first to see the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia, stressing the importance of seeing a dentist twice a year for examinations.

Treatment for both disorders is to address the psychological condition which gives these individuals a distorted self-image and loss of self-control. If left untreated, serious malnutrition and even death is possible, therefore identifying these conditions early is essential.

Please remember that your dentist can have a role in identifying eating disorders