Many dental issues can arise in patients with anorexia and bullemia. A very common dental issue is erosion of the enamel on their teeth which affects the cosmetic dentistry , TMJ pain, and health of the smile. This erosion is most prevalent on the tongue side of the upper front teeth and and on the chewing surfaces of the bicuspids. These teeth are most affected as they are not as protected from the regurgitating acids from the stomach. It can however affect all the teeth and cause a loss of the proper bite too. This can results in hypersensitive teeth as well as TMJ issues in patients.
Fortunately, there are ways to correct the damaged teeth and rebuild the teeth so patients can function with comfort and esthetics.
Some patients do not realize that brushing after regurgitating can actually cause more damage and wear to the teeth. This occurs as the enamel often becomes broken down due to the acid attacking the teeth. Additionally, sometimes patients have reduced saliva flow due to deficiencies and this can further contribute to breakdown of the teeth.
A very useful dental treatment to help patients protect their teeth when being trying to recover is the use of custom fluoride trays which can help to remineralize their teeth. I personally suggest that these trays are of the hard form and to wear them daily when they are bullemics.
If the enamel has been severely eroded or the teeth have been cosmetically degraded, a combination of porcelain veneers and crowns can be used to restore these teeth to help. This can involve as many as a few teeth to the full mouth. It is sometimes necessary to alter the bite to make room to correct the worn enamel on the tongue side of the teeth.
There are dentists who have special training to help patients who have anorexia and bullemia with their associated dental problems.
If you have any questions regarding Houston Cosmetic Dentist or Houston TMJ, please feel free to contact our office, Ronald W. Konig DDS, FAGD, LVIF 713-668-2289
