Once a hush subject, the discussion of eating disorders has grown immensely over the past two decades. But still, too often the education focuses on the health problems that bulimia or anorexia nervosa cause. When someone is on the road to eating disorder recovery, hope of a healthy existence can help significantly.
Today, your Newport Beach, CA dentist writes on how porcelain veneers can help a bulimic or anorexic patient regain some confidence in their smile. Not only that, but overhaul their oral health, as well!
How Bulimia Affects Your Teeth
Bulimia nervosa is a medical condition where the individual eats large quantities at a time, also known as binging. They then vomit afterwards in order to prevent the calories from being absorbed into the body, which is called purging.
Besides being harmful to the metabolic system, the constant exposure of the teeth to the acids within the body’s vomit can lead to significant tooth decay. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to break down our food, and this is much more acidic than anything to which we routinely expose our teeth.
This wear can lead to the destruction of the side of the teeth closest to our throat. Teeth are often shortened, and look stubby and small. While on the road to recovery, a constant reminder of your disease can be hurtful and a trigger for the comfort of a relapse.
How Veneers Can Help
Porcelain veneers are often used as a cosmetic solution to teeth that are not as beautiful as someone wants them to be. In this way, they can be helpful in a recreation of a healthy smile for a patient with bulimia.
During the process of placing veneers, the dentist cleans and prepares the surface of the natural tooth. Then, a porcelain structure that mimics the tooth is cemented to the surface. This creates an appearance of a tooth that looks indistinguishable from healthy natural ones.
It is important to remember that if the vomiting from bulimia continues, the veneer will not be able to fight the acid any more than your natural enamel. As the gums are also often affected, talk with your dentist about your periodontal health.
This should never be used without psychological treatment, as well as any gastrointestinal and metabolic management. Please make sure to discuss the option of veneers not only with your dentist, but any other doctors who help you make decisions about your eating disorder recovery.
For patients suffering from other gastrointestinal issues that involve excessive or constant vomiting, veneers might be fantastic solutions for you, as well. Conditions that find themselves suitable for benefit include diabetes and drug and alcohol addiction and abuse.
Ready For A Brand New Healthy Smile?
If you want to discuss how veneers can help you, please give Dr. Hofkes at Balboa Dental Surgery a call at (949)630-0143. Or stop by our office here in Newport Beach, CA!
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