Anorexia and Bulimia
Unfortunately, people who suffer from an eating disorder are likely to develop a dental problem as well.
Bulimia is an eating disorder in which a person vomits frequently after eating, often several times a day, as a way to avoid gaining weight. Frequent vomiting can cause a dental problem because the acid from the stomach can wear away the enamel on the teeth.
In addition, people with anorexia nervosa are at increased risk for dental problems. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person severely limits food intake and loses a drastic amount of weight. Many people with anorexia can become deficient in nutrients that promote oral health, such as calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Insufficient calcium promotes tooth decay and gum disease, and even if you do consume enough calcium, you need enough vitamin D to absorb help the body absorb it. Insufficient iron can foster the development of sores inside the mouth, and insufficient amounts of vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) can contribute to bad breath and the development of canker sores.