Month: February 2023

Eating disorders and oral health are closely interrelated and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic background. These pervasive mental and physical health issues impact our society. As per the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), approximately 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States will encounter an eating disorder during their lifetime.

Apart from adversely impacting one’s self-image, these disorders can also place stress on relationships, impede an individual’s academic or professional performance, and impact on one’s health. For individuals struggling with eating disorders, it is imperative to contact healthcare experts for assistance.

Let’s delve into the various types of eating disorders, primarily focusing on their implications for oral health:

Classification of Eating Disorders and Their Connection to Oral Health

1) Anorexia Nervosa: The Fear of Weight Gain

A person afflicted with anorexia nervosa experiences a fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight. The disorder leads individuals to engage in risky behaviors like excessive exercise and starvation in response to their perceptions of obesity. Some may resort to self-induced vomiting, laxative use, or enemas to rid their bodies of food.

2) Bulimia Nervosa: The Cycle of Binging and Purging

Bulimia nervosa shares the fear of weight gain with anorexia but adds a cycle of covert binge eating, which can occur multiple times a week or even daily. Many people with bulimia feel totally out of control during episodes of overeating, consuming thousands of calories. Individuals may resort to inducing vomiting, utilizing laxatives, or administering enemas to reverse their excessive indulgence,

3) Binge Eating Disorder: The Struggle with Overeating

Binge eating disorder results in recurrent episodes of overeating in both women and men. People who go through these experiences feel out of control and frequently have intense remorse or humiliation. Unlike bulimia, binge eating disorder does not involve purging behaviors. NEDA defines binge eating as occurring at least once a week for three months as part of the diagnostic criteria for this disorder.

The Impact of Eating Disorders on Dental Health

Eating disorders can significantly affect oral health. Without proper nutrients like vitamin B, iron, and calcium, gums and other soft tissues in the mouth may bleed easily. Iron deficiency can induce oral sores, whereas vitamin B3 insufficiency can cause canker sores, gum inflammation, dry mouth, and foul smell.

In addition to these issues, eating disorders can lead to degenerative arthritis in the temporomandibular joint in the jaw. This condition can result in discomfort, recurring headaches, and difficulty chewing. Frequent vomiting can also harm teeth, as stomach acid repeatedly washes over them, wearing away enamel and altering their color, shape, and length.

Recognizing Oral Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Dental professionals often detect the detrimental effects of eating disorders through oral examinations. The erosive effects of stomach acid on teeth and oral tissues during vomiting can manifest as worn-down and translucent teeth, increased sensitivity to cold, tooth decay, dry mouth, inflamed salivary glands, difficulty swallowing, and other oral health issues. Nutritional deficiencies associated with eating disorders can lead to problems like gum disease, jaw bone loss, mouth ulcers, and halitosis (bad breath).

Preventive Measures to Safeguard Dental Health

Taking proactive actions to maintain dental health is critical for those suffering from eating disorders. Here are some preventive measures:

• Adhere to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen, which includes routine brushing and flossing.
• After vomiting, avoid brushing your teeth immediately; instead, rinse your mouth with a baking soda solution to neutralize stomach acid.
• If you have cavities or weak teeth, consult your dentist for in-office fluoride treatments or prescription fluoride toothpaste.
• Your dentist may offer sugar-free gum containing xylitol or saliva replacements to combat dry mouth.
• Arrange regular appointments with your dentist to oversee your oral health and attend to any issues that may arise.

Seeking Help and Support

Those suffering from eating disorders or those who love them should know that help is readily available. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Dentistry on Dunn: Oakville Family Dentist. Our experienced dental specialists are here to help you find the best solutions and answer any questions about preserving your dental health while navigating the challenges of an eating disorder. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey towards recovery.

Also Read: Health Problems Your Teeth Can Predict

As we all know, teeth whitening is becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve one’s smile. Being self-assured, seeming younger, and feeling more attractive are frequently linked to having a bright, white smile. According to a survey, 1 in 4 adults refrain from smiling because of the state of their mouth and teeth. Is whitening teeth safe for your teeth?

The American Dental Association claims that teeth whitening is both secure and efficient. Professional teeth whitening can last six months to two years with appropriate oral hygiene and avoiding habits such as smoking, alcohol intake, and other behaviors that can lead to teeth staining.

Causes of Discoloured Teeth

Have you ever thought about why your teeth are yellow? Internal and external factors, known as intrinsic and extrinsic stains, can cause the yellowing of teeth. Before deciding on whitening procedures, it is critical to consult a dentist to evaluate the type of stain on the teeth. Both are safe for whitening, although at-home and professional treatments perform best on extrinsic stains. Some intrinsic stains are impossible to remove.

Certain meals and beverages, such as sodas, coffee, tea, alcohol, citrus fruits, and sweets, can induce extrinsic stains. These substances are well known to be acidic and sugary, which can erode the enamel or the tooth’s white outer covering. Another external factor that contributes to tooth discoloration is smoking or chewing tobacco. Nicotine and cigarettes include toxic compounds that can discolor tooth enamel and cause gum diseases.

Intrinsic stains may have genetic roots. Someone can be born with naturally bright, white teeth, while others might be born with thin enamel, making teeth appear darker. Whatever teeth you were born with, aging can cause enamel wear and tear over time. The tooth can also become intrinsically stained due to tooth decay, certain oral medications, or trauma that causes nerve damage.

Teeth Whitening Options

1. Teeth Whitening At Home.

For gradual brightening, at-home therapies such as toothpaste and rinses provide quick and easy solutions. Daily cleaning routines often include using whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains. 

There are gel whitening strips and whitening trays available over the counter for more severe tooth whitening at home. Apply strips or a tray to your teeth and keep them on for the suggested period (These can vary depending on the product, so ensure that you read the instructions carefully). To guarantee that over-the-counter products are safe and effective, look for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Most at-home products employ hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, a compound containing hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide, a natural bleaching agent, breaks down molecules that produce discoloration caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.

Misuse and overuse of whitening trays and strips is a risk. The user needs to follow the instructions as directed by experts since the gel ingredients could damage your teeth which can cause tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation.

2. Teeth Whitening At Dental Clinic.

When compared to over-the-counter methods, dentists’ in-clinic whitening procedures are quicker. Dentists employ many treatments, such as pure peroxide, ultraviolet light boost, and laser tooth whitening. The teeth can be bleached directly by a dentist using a more intense solution. Whitening procedures usually take about an hour, and you only need to visit the dentist once a year. The advantage of the in-office treatment is that it eliminates many risks associated with at-home kits. However, such dental treatments may be more expensive than at-home alternatives.

Is it worthwhile to undergo whitening treatment?

If you want a sparkling white smile, teeth whitening can be a safe solution. Nonetheless, you should consult a dentist and research your options first. The gum cells may become harmed by the peroxide in teeth-whitening products. Additionally, it may cause damage to the tooth’s connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. Overuse of these substances, in either instance, can cause tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation.

Teeth sensitivity can manifest as short sharp aches in response to hot or cold foods and beverages, and it usually occurs quickly after bleaching treatments are applied. When whitening treatments are overused or misused, the peroxide in the whitening gel can erode tooth enamel and irritate dental nerves. If the whitening agent repeatedly contacts the gums, it could cause a chemical burn that causes more intense discomfort and inflammation. Before whitening your teeth, you should consult your dentist to confirm that they are healthy teeth. 

Professional whitening is an excellent approach to brightening your smile. The outcomes of in-office whitening procedures are significantly more successful than those of over-the-counter solutions because they use greater bleaching agent concentrations. If you want to brighten your smile and are thinking about teeth whitening,  you may contact our Oakville Family Dentist, Dentistry on Dunn. Our dental specialists will assist you in selecting the best solution and address any queries you may have.

Also Read: Should You Pull Your Tooth Or Save It?