Bulimia and Oral Erosion: Dental and Periodontal
Emi See¹ and Jalyn Huang²#
¹ William G. Enloe High School
² Irvine High School
#Advisor
ABSTRACT
This article discusses the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, characterized by alternating behaviors of binging and purging, and its relation to dental and periodontal erosion. Bulimia can cause a multitude of consequences, such as reproductive issues, GI tract issues, and more widely established dental issues. Vomiting is the most common method of purging and involves exposure of multifunctional appendages (teeth) to highly corrosive and acidic gastric acid. Both dental and periodontal erosion are a result of oral tissue, such as enamel and dentin, wearing down from contact with acidic substances. Additionally, erosion can occur from the consumption of highly acidic foods, abrasive tooth brushing behavior, and improper cleansing after emesis. Erosion can increase dental hypersensitivity which impacts eating and drinking. Emphasizing oral health among bulimic patients can allow bulimic patients, friends, family, and health care providers to understand the weight of the consequences of this disorder. Patients need to be encouraged to seek remission and those that are close should aid them in doing so to remind them they don’t have to struggle alone. Bulimia doesn’t just aggravate mental health, it deteriorates an individual’s physical well-being and quality of life as well.
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