Cavities from vomiting, I REALLY need help?

Question

Hi, I've been suffering from bulimia for a couple of years but nobody knows about it, I haven't told anyone, not my family or my friends.

Anyway, I had an appointment at the dentist today after school for a check up, so I just went by myself, my mum didn't come with me. I saw the hygienist first and she did some cleaning and stuff and said I had some cavities in my teeth, but then she went away and talked to the dentist for a while and when I saw him he said I have cavities in practically all of my teeth and he asked me if I had an eating disorder.........I tried to deny it but he said he could tell because of the condition of my teeth.

I'm really scared now - first, I'm scared that he'll tell my mum about the bulimia, is he allowed to do that? Second, how on earth am I going to explain to my mum how I ended up with so many cavities without telling her about the bulimia? I really don't want her to know. She always says I'm fat, that's why I do it.

Answer 1

You should take care of this right away. I'm 44 years old and I was a bulimic... Do you know that bulimia can hurt your heart?? I had this problem on and off during almost 20 years because of that I lost a baby because I didn't want to get fat during my first pregnancy. I always use to carry a rubber band on my wrist to pull my hair back when I was vomiting. Right now I'm not a bulimic anymore but my heart is so weak that I cant do a lot of the things healthy people do like running. One my friends at college die because her stomach rupture. Just tell your mom and get help ASAP. Take care of your self!!!!!read the Consequences of bulimia nervosa
Malnutrition
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance
Hyponatremia
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Teeth erosion and cavities, gum disease
Sialadenosis (salivary gland swelling)
Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing
Esophageal reflux
Irritation, inflammation, and possible rupture of the esophagus
Laxative dependence
Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Emetic toxicity due to ipecac abuse
Swelling of the face and cheeks
Callused or bruised fingers
Dry or brittle skin, hair, and nails, or hair loss
Lanugo
Edema
Muscle atrophy
Decreased/increased bowel activity

Answer 2

What are Some Signs of Bulimia Nervosa in the Mouth?

Enamel erosion of all teeth due to the chronic exposure to acid in vomit.




Teeth Suffering From Severe Erosion



Increase in occurrence of cavities due to excessive carbohydrate intake during binge-eating.
Dry mouth from decreased salivary flow and parotid gland dysfunction put the patient at an even higher risk for cavities.
Small, purplish-red lesions on the palate due to contact with objects used to induce vomiting.


Silver fillings will be raised due to erosion of the teeth.



Silver Fillings Are Significantly Raised



Braces and temporary restorations may not stay on the teeth because the acid will dissolve the temporary cement used to keep these materials in place.
Teeth may be discolored or look dull from the acid.
Bleeding of the gums.

Are you over 18?

If you aren't he may tell your mother, but I think it would be best if you told her your self. If you have had this disorder for years you should see a doctor.

Answer 3

You dont say how old you are. I think your mum needs to know that you have a problem. I think she needs to know that by saying you are fat she is making it worse.
You need to get help because there are more problems than just cavities associated with bulimia...

Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.
Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.
Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).
Stomach Ulcers.
Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus.
Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines.
Disruption in the normal bowel release function.
Electrolyte imbalance.
Dehydration
Irregular heartbeat and in severe cases heart attack
A greater risk for suicidal behavior
Decrease in libido

I think getting help would make telling your mum worthwhile?

Answer 4

Uh, well if she is always tell you that you are fat , then I dont see why she couldnt undertsand that you have developed an eating disorder. The best thing you can do is be honest and get help. Rotten teeth are just the beginning of what Bulimia can do to your body.

Answer 5

Yes, stomach acid is hard on teeth and eats the enamel off them, causing cavities and a whole bunch of worse problems down the road. I think you have to tell your mom. You should get someone to be with you when you tell her if you think it would help you. She shouldn't be calling you fat...she should be offering to help you out in any way she can!!

Good Luck!! Stay strong. You can get over an eating disorder and be healthy.

Answer 6

Depending where you live and how old you are, the dentist might have the legal responsibility to tell your mother. Remember that the laws are there to protect your freedom, but also your health. So if you are a minor (age changes between countries/states), the dentist could get in trouble if he doesn't tell!!!
Good luck.

Answer 7

They can tell by the staining on the inner sides of your teet that you throw up frequently, and no if you ask them not to they cant. At least in the US they cant, u said "mum" so im assuming ur not american. Well in the Us we have a law called patient confidentiality. This is one thing most bulemics dont realize, throwing up like this can cause severe damage to your teeth, and who wants that?

Answer 8

Hey your health comes first, so please please chat to a professional about this. Have you tried speaking to your school nurse? There are many child help lines who I'm sure can put you in touch with somebody. You need help in getting over your bulimia, you will regret it in later life if you don't . Most girls lose their 'puppy fat' towards the end of their teens anyway so stop obsessing over what you mother thinks of your weight. Rather concentrate on the good aspects of yourself. Take up a sport rather than obsessing over food.

Answer 9

hey, first i just want to say thats disgusting, throwing up all the time, and now having yucky cavities in your teeth. ewwww. what you should do is come clean about your disorder and get help right away, i mean if it did that to u, it sounds pretty serious. and, like drink calcium. If you are fat, why don't u just lose weight the right way, which is eating healthy and excercize

Answer 10

The help that you need is help in how to let your mother know. Bulimia is a disease of the mind that makes you want to do this. It is also extremely unhealthy as you have just learned. Cavities is just one way that you are damaging your body.

You need to get help, not hide your problem. For your sake, please tell your mother what is going on.