How Bulimia Can Damage Teeth
                     HOW 
BULIMIA 
CAN 
DAMAGE 
TEETH
The effects of bulimia on 
your teeth are far-reaching. 
This eating disorder is marked by periods of binging and 
purging food, exposing tooth enamel to large amounts of acid. 
The pain and embarrassment that you feel about your unhealthy 
teeth can add to the mental stress that you experience. 
For many patients, dental services 
are just as important of a part 
of their treatment as counseling.
HOW ACID DAMAGES TEETH
Your stomach naturally makes acid to 
help digest your food. Some of this acid 
comes up every time you vomit.
Tooth enamel is strong enough to handle 
brief exposure to these acids, but 
repeated vomiting increases how long the 
acids come in contact with your teeth.
Your teeth are also exposed to acids from the 
food and drinks consumed during binges. 
Soda, fruit juice and other sugary beverages 
are all highly acidic. 
Food that gets stuck on your teeth can 
also break down and begin to form acids 
which break down the tooth enamel. 
This is called acid erosion. 
As the enamel thins, the underlying 
dentin becomes more visible. 
This can make your teeth look 
yellower. You may also see 
white spots and other areas 
of discoloration. 
Acid erosion may sometimes 
have very few symptoms until 
it reaches a severe point that 
causes tooth sensitivity.
TYPES OF DENTAL DAMAGE BULIMIA CAUSES
Once your teeth are 
weakened by acid erosion, 
they are more susceptible 
to other types of damage. 
Your teeth may become 
brittle and begin to chip 
more easily. 
Frequent vomiting causes damage 
to your inner cheeks, lips and gums 
causing canker sores,
along with signs of gum disease such 
as bleeding and swelling. Your salivary 
glands may also become enlarged.
Dry mouth is another condition that 
can occur with bulimia, increasing 
your risk of cavities. 
It also causes symptoms such as a burning 
sensation in your mouth and cracked lips 
that are uncomfortable.
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR ORAL HEALTH
The most important thing 
you can do is seek help!
Stopping the cycle 
of binging and purging 
halts the damage that 
this condition does to 
your teeth. 
You can also take steps to protect your 
teeth from acid erosion. 
Rinsing your mouth with water after 
an episode of vomiting or drinking 
acidic beverages helps to restore the 
pH balance of your saliva.
You can also take steps to protect your 
teeth from acid erosion. 
Regular dental checkups are important 
for catching early signs of damage to 
your teeth. 
You can also take steps to protect your 
teeth from acid erosion. 
Special fluoride treatments and other 
dental procedures can improve the 
appearance and health of your teeth.
Bulimia treatment 
frequently includes 
multiple strategies that 
help your whole body heal.
Your bulimia needs to be 
treated by a trained mental 
health professional, but we 
can help with 
your teeth. 
As always, anything you tell us during 
your office visits is confidential. We only 
want to help you take care of your teeth 
and love how you look when you smile.
Noble Dental Care is a family oriented 
dental care clinic with dentists that 
care about you and your health.
Give us the opportunity to give you 
the smile of your dreams.
Call us for an appointment at (480) 820-3515.