I have a bulimic patient who came for severe inflammation of molar teeth. After reviewing the x-rays and oral exam, the patient was diagnosed as bulimia nervosa. She has all molar teeth chipped out and front teeth eroded. She lost the vertical height of teeth due to lack of enamel surface. I recommended full mouth crowns to prevent further loss of tooth structure and to restore of the esthetics and function. She understood the treatment plan and said that her husband would not have married her if he would have known of her teeth problems. The estimated fee was a huge amount and she mentioned that it was the same as half the price of her down payment of her new house purchase.
The frequent vomiting and nutritional deficiencies often associated with eating disorders can severely affect oral health. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, studies find up to 89 percent of bulimic patients have signs of tooth erosion, due to the effects of powerful stomach acid. Over time, this loss of tooth enamel can be considerable, and the teeth change in color, shape and length. They can also become brittle, translucent and sensitive to temperature. The salivary glands may swell, causing the jaw to widen and appear squarish. Lips may become reddened, dry and cracked, and the patient may also experience chronic dry mouth.
Please contact Dr. Jangsook Kim of Cinema Dental Care at 661-253-3030 if you have any questions.