Effects on Swallowing Mechanisms
Teeth of a 30 year old who suffers from bulimia and anorexia. Top teeth are covered with porcelain veneers. http://www.nycdentist.com/dental-photo-detail/2447/88/Diet-Nutrition-teeth-erosion-anorexia-bulimia-acid-fruit-juice-soda
It is obvious that anorexia and bulimia both have severe health effects. Although bulimia is more likely to cause dysphagia, anorexia can as well. According to ADHA (2011), medications to treat anorexia such as Dextrose tablets and sucrose containing vitamin C, both have the potential to cause buccal erosion of the enamel surface. Often individuals with eating disorders experience a reduction in salivary flow which can result in Sialadenosis (Mehler, 2011). According to quantum health (n.d.), since saliva aids in the process of chewing, swallowing, and digestion, when the amount of saliva is decreased these processes all become difficult. Difficulty chewing makes it difficult for the body to obtain sufficient nutrients from food. People with eating disorders also often exhibit poor oral hygiene, this symptom is more common in anorexia than in bulimia. Poor oral hygiene may be in part due to the decreased saliva production. Saliva also offers protection from many oral infections. Poor oral hygiene may cause missing teeth, which has an affect on the oral stage of swallowing. ADHA (2011) reports that individuals with bulimia are likely to damage the oral mucous membranes and the pharynx due to the force of regurgitation. Objects used to induce vomiting such as fingers or pens may cause injury to the soft palate. According to Consequences of Eating Disorders (n.d.) the stomach acid that enters the throat during regurgitation may damage the esophagus, causing inflammation, raw areas and painful swallow. A Mallory-Weiss tear may occur as well which is the term for the rupture of the mucous membrane of the esophagus at its junction with the stomach. Denholm, M. M., & Jankowski, J. J. (2011), found that often people with eating disorders exhibit the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett's esophagus, strictures, and ulcers are all symptoms of GERD. GERD may progress into esophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett’s Esophagus is frequent especially in patients older than 45 years of age with long standing and frequent reflux symptoms. Endoscopy is the the only current test which establishes a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus (Mehler, 2011). According to Consequences of Eating Disorders (n.d.), stomach acid may also cause the tooth enamel to thin and allow tooth decay to occur. Teeth may appear to be ragged and may eventually need to be pulled. They also note that it is recommended for a person with bulimia to rinse their mouth with water after purging rather than brushing their teeth because it will be more gentle on their teeth and give them an opportunity to replace lost hydration.
If an eating disorder is successfully treated, the body may heal and return to normal. Unfortunately, there are times that, the eating disorder has continued for so many years that there is too much damage for a full recovery to occur (Consequences of eating disorders, n.d.).
If an eating disorder is successfully treated, the body may heal and return to normal. Unfortunately, there are times that, the eating disorder has continued for so many years that there is too much damage for a full recovery to occur (Consequences of eating disorders, n.d.).