going to the dentist..

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
going to the dentist..
18
Tue, 07-10-2007 - 7:37pm
I had some issues off and on with bulimia. I did a really good job of keeping it secret, not a soul has any knowledge of my problem. I was doing it about 2-3 times per day off and on (average episode lasted about 1-2 months) for about 2-3 years. Now I am better, I have only done it once in about 6 months. This entire time I have been terrified to go to the dentist for fear of them knowing I have done this. I really would like to go. Does anyone know if the dentist would be able to tell the minor staining I have on my teeth is from bulimia or would I be able to blame it on something else, like coffee? I am incredibly self-conscious about the stains so I would really like to get my teeth bleached. Can anyone help? Thanks.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
Wed, 07-11-2007 - 12:22pm

Hello seydmri!


Welcome to the board! I don't think I'll be much help because I wasn't bulimic so I don't have any experience. But reading up on complications with bulimia, dental issues are a possibility. From what I understand, dental issues with those with bulimia have to do with the deterioration of the teeth. Here's a link to the American Dental Association's Info about it: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/eating_disorders.asp


HTH!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Wed, 07-11-2007 - 12:34pm
Thank you very much. I actually have seen some examples and my teeth aren't that bad, but I just worry there is some trace of it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Sat, 07-14-2007 - 11:50am

Hi there seydmri and welcome to the board!


It's not really the dentist's business how the stains got there.

 

 

~Diana~

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Mon, 07-16-2007 - 11:38am

Hi again, if you're still worried about exact causes and your dentist and everything, I just thought of something, I do have a lot of staining on my bottom teeth, and I asked her why.

 

 

~Diana~

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Mon, 07-16-2007 - 11:59am
Thank you so much, i really appreciate that
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2003
Fri, 07-20-2007 - 2:21pm

I have worked in the dental industry for about 10 yrs and bulimia does not result in staining. Staining is from foods, beverages, smoking etc. Bulimia does thin the enamel and leave the teeth more succeptable to cavities especially on the back of the teeth or along the gums. I have been bulimic for 20 yrs and it has taken a toll on my teeth but the dentist cannot usually determine specifically why there is less enamel on the teeth(drinking colas and excessive brushing can also affect enamel so lack of it does not immediately shout "Bulimic!" to the dental team).

The harm done to teeth from bulimia is as a result of the teeth being continuously exposed to the acid in your stomach.

I also know a LOT about teeth bleaching/whitening. Go ahead if your dentist finds you a good candidate but be aware that the teeth of a bulimic are more sensitive due to the lack of enamel and be prepared by brushing with Sensodyne to help gaurd against sensitivity. Avoid all staining food/liquids as you can stain your teeth more easily while whitening and don't drink carbonated liquids.

Hope this helps. I have bleached my teeth for as long as I have been in dental and have been a bulimic way longer than that.

Good Luck.

K.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Fri, 07-20-2007 - 3:12pm
Wow thanks a bunch! that was really helpful and straight forward, it is just what i needed. You made me feel a hundred times better. Good luck with everything, I wish you the best.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Sun, 07-22-2007 - 10:47am

Hi K,


Thanks for helping out on this! We appreciate it!!


 

 

~Diana~

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2006
Sat, 07-28-2007 - 2:34pm
I'm not bulimic, but had been asked by my last two dentists if I was. The reason they asked was because some of my enamel had worn off. I used to drink a lot of soda, and I also have problems with acid reflux, so I'm sure that's why. If they look in your mouth, they might notice that your enamel may be worn, but they won't be able to tell what caused it. If they ask, and you don't feel like mentioning that you used to be bulimic, you can just blame it on stomach problems, or acid reflux, soda, or just tell them it's none of their business! :-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Tue, 07-31-2007 - 2:22pm

Hi there, iluvmorphy, and welcome to the board!


Thanks for what you said.

 

 

~Diana~

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