Our dietary habits—from excess sugar to too little fruit or vegetables—have a major impact on oral health. Harmful eating disorders and nutritional deficiencies can cause lingering or even permanent dental damage.

Oral Health Consequences of Eating Disorders

• Vitamin Deficiencies:
  Lack of essential vitamins causes easy or unexplained gum bleeding and inflamed mouth lining.

• Dry Mouth & Cracked Lips:
  Poor nutrition leads to low saliva, chronic dryness, and cracked lips.

• Mineral Shortages:
  Calcium deficiency increases tooth decay and gum disease; iron deficiency leads to mouth sores; vitamin B3 deficiency can result in bad breath and ulcers.

• Frequent Vomiting:
  Teeth exposed to stomach acid lose enamel, become brittle, sensitive, and discoloured. Advanced erosion can expose pulp, causing infection or tooth death.

• Mouth Ulcers & Injury:
  Sharp enamel edges from acid erosion trigger ulcers and mouth lining sores. Purging can cause redness, cuts, especially on the mouth’s roof, and binge-purge cycles may enlarge and inflame salivary glands.

Prevention & Recovery – Tooronga Family Dentistry, Glen Iris

• Maintain top oral hygiene: brush and floss, and schedule twice-yearly exams

• Confidential support at Tooronga Family Dentistry if you struggle with eating disorders

• For bulimia: rinse mouth immediately after purging, use sugar-free mouthwash, and delay brushing for at least an hour

• For dry mouth: regularly sip water, use oil-based product for lips

• Strengthen enamel: use fluoride rinses and desensitizing or remineralizing agents if recommended

• Early detection and treatment improve outcomes for both oral and general health

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, Call  Tooronga Family Dentistry, Glen Iris or book an appointment online for a confidential dental check.