My teeth have been damaged by bulimia. Can they be fixed?
Posted: Tuesday 30 November 2010 04:40pm
QUESTION:
I am a young woman who suffered bulimia for many years and it has left me with receded gums and “soft” areas of tooth around the gum line, which are prone to decay and erosion. Some spaces have also occurred between my teeth from gum recession. What can I do?
ANSWER:
Damage to dental structures (gums, teeth and jaws) secondary to eating disorders is an increasingly frequent condition. Treatment often requires the combined efforts of a number of specialties within dentistry.
Grafting procedures to reposition the gums are becoming more frequent and successful in general but much is dependent on the condition and position of the papilla (the pointy bit of gum between the teeth). This in turn is dictated by the health and height of bone between the adjacent tooth roots.
If gaps are forming between your teeth, then this is the very area we are talking about. If it can’t be corrected with periodontal procedures, then other alternatives are sometimes viable: for instance reshaping teeth to have more oval contours to minimise or completely close these gaps.
The damage to the teeth is usually a combination of decay, acid erosion and attrition (or wear) and affect multiple surfaces on teeth. To complicate matters, the “demineralised” surfaces of the teeth are often harder to bond to, making conventional fillings prone to failure. The most ideal way to restore damaged tooth structure.
is to use porcelain (either inlays, veneers or crowns) as this material most closely replicates natural tooth enamel, ensuring optimal strength and aesthetic results. Obviously every case is different and needs to be assessed on its individual merits.
My my final words of advice to you are: Treat the cause. Ensure your bulimia is under control, as this is what damaged your teeth in the first place, it will also damage any dental work you have done.
Seek a dentist who has experience in complex restorative treatment. They should address your concerns in a systematic way and address all the issues as part of an integrated plan. You play a significant role in this process so be specific and open about your condition, concerns and your treatment goals.
Fluoride rinses are a good idea to help remineralise damaged tooth surfaces and protect from further breakdown
Do NOT feel embarrassed about this or any condition when dealing with medical/dental professionals. Your dentist should treat this professionally, compassionately and non-judgementally.
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