Another side effect of bulimia is that it damages the teeth. These damages are not just cosmetic. Is there a way to protect your teeth?
One sign of bulimia is that you are purging frequently. While the act of vomiting itself is nothing natural, it does cause real harm to your body when don too often. Your teeth are just one part of the problem.
The acidic stomach content is softening your tooth enamel and dentine. Over time the damage can be real big to all your teeth. The costs for a restoration of your teeth enormous. I understand that the purging does not happen totally voluntarily. Bulimia is a mental disease and needs to be treated. But how can you protect your teeth while you are suffering from it?
The aim is to remove the acid as quickly as possible from your teeth. Right after purging you should clean your teeth with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). If you do not have it available then use plain water instead. However, this is not a long term solution. If you do not stop vomiting then you will continue to harm your teeth.
Once the enamel has been reduced your teeth are vulnerable. Mechanical stress from chewing or tooth brushing can cause damage already. I also suggest to use fluoride and a night guard to reduce the risks of abrasion.
If it is too late the only way to rest orate the tooth is going to the dentist getting a filling, crown or inlay. A crown gives the most protection against mechanical and chemical erosion.
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