Common Risk Factors And Causes Of Cavities

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can wreak havoc on every single part of the body, and the teeth are no exception. Individuals with binge eating disorders may consume large amounts of sugar that get stuck in their teeth, which can influence the buildup of plaque. For patients with anorexia and bulimia, the results can be even more serious. When individuals purge with bulimia, they might vomit to bring food back up. Repeated vomiting causes tooth erosion and decay the same way gastroesophageal reflux disease does. Stomach acid washes repeatedly over teeth, causing the enamel to dissolve. Anorexia can also have a significant impact on tooth erosion if it presents with purging behaviors. In addition, eating disorders may interfere with an individual's ability to keep up good dental habits. Some patients with eating disorders get anxious about using toothpaste or mouthwash because of the potential of accidentally ingesting calories. On top of this, malnutrition and metabolic disturbances can interfere with the body's ability to produce saliva, which is vital for breaking down plaque.