Teeth and bulimia?

Question

I've got bulimia and I've had it for a few years and I'm waiting to see a specialist about it but I have to wait ages before I see them.

I saw a dentist a few weeks ago and that's how everyone found out about my bulimia because he said my teeth were all eroded and rotting from being sick all the time. What can they do to fix my teeth, and is there any way I can protect them against the vomiting?

Please, don't tell me to stop making myself sick - if it was that easy I'd have done it already. But is there anything I can do to stop my teeth getting worse?

Answer 1

As you know, regurgitation contains alot of acid from your intestines. This acid washes against your teeth especially the front ones and causes the enamel to erode away.

I don't know if you've experienced this, but sometimes after acid has been on the teeth, especially after drinking coke, the enamel may feel a little rough to the tongue. This is the effect of the acid causing deminerlization of your teeth.

Brushing your teeth straight away will remove the surface layer of acid softened enamel. Repeatedly doing this will wear away your teeth alot over time. Even without the tooth brushing your teeth will still erode away, the teeth just wern't designed for this sort of thing.

My advice is to get some fluoride mouth wash from the chemist and rinse out with it straight after u know what. Fluoride is a mineral that helps to make your teeth strong and slightly more resistant to acid. I'd use to to rinse every day too. (Also don't rinse with water afterwards just let the fluoride do its work)

You may also need to get a soft toothbrush instead of a hard one. And thats how you stop them from getting worse.

Unfortunately you may still have to deal with the consequences of having the decay fixed, especially if they are deep.

Answer 2

Hope you are serious about getting some help. In the meantime you need to use a bicarb soda mouthrinse. You mix 1 teaspoon of bicarb in 1/2 a glass of warm water and then swish with it. This will help to neutralise the acid in your mouth. You will need to rinse after each time you are sick.

Answer 3

That's the only way to stop your teeth from getting worse, and yes hun it is that easy, stop sticking your finger down your throat, my fiancee was bulimic but she's not no more. You should really consider stopping, would you rather be skinny and never ever have a boyfriend because he cant stand to look or kiss your mouth? I mean is it really that important to you to either 1. be alone for the rest of your life or 2. Die young and never have children or a family of your own?

Answer 4

Don't brush your teeth afterwards, it actually makes it worse, just rinse with water.

And yes--all my back teeth eroded, lost the 4 back ones. That's what made me research it.

Answer 5

unfortunately no, you might have to have you teeth removed. my sister had the same problem, when she was younger, and she has to wear dentures, she is only 29. the only thing i could say is maybe rinse your mouth out after with mouthwash. cus its the acidity from your stomach thats eroding your teeth.

Answer 6

Its ok.. im so in the same position.. but mines not rotting.. and im going to the dentist soon.. and im wondering if theyll be able to tell .. what does anyone else think?? (ive only had it for a year) i hope your ok.. get well.. :)

Answer 7

I am also bulimic and have been for years, and I have tried and tried for years to stop but can't ! And honestly i just try and keep my teeth brushed!

Answer 8

It is a vitamin depletion. My only advice is to take vitamins as much as once a day without purging. I hope you get well again.

Answer 9

Sorry, but there is nothing that can be done. The only thing to prevent further is the truth...which you don't want to read anyway.

Answer 10

no, you already know how...but you said not to tell you