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: 07-16-2001
Wed, 08-01-2007 - 10:31pm
Hello there, I'm very new to this board (just found it tonight!) and I wanted to tell you my opinion/advice as a dental hygienist. As for the staining - when was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? It could be extrinsic (surface) stain or it could be intrinsic (has become/or is part of the tooth) An RDH should be able to get it off for you. As for bleaching, if your teeth aren't healthy it won't be done, be prepared for that. I personally won't bleach someone's teeth until they are healthy (I'm not too concerned with small cavities, depending on where they are) Another thing, if you are able to bleach, tell your RDH or DDS that you have issues with sensitivity and ask if they have a high-fluoride paste or gel they can send home with you (avg. cost $20) This will help keep your teeth strong! (and it helps with sensitivity) Hope this helped! (And as a side note: I typically ask my patients with stain a few questions about it. Typical responses: coffee and tea (or cigs))
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-08-2007
Wed, 08-08-2007 - 11:35am
I've been very up front with my dentist about my eating disorder. I have pretty much almost no enamel left on my front teeth. I hate my teeth now and it's always a reminder of my eating disorder when I smile! I have an awesome dentist and he is helping me get my great smile back! Telling my dentist was extremly hard. However, it was the best thing I could have done! Good Luck!
kat
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Wed, 08-08-2007 - 3:00pm
i appreciate everyone's response. I think the closer you get to wellness means so much more than your teeth and I am sure your beauty and strength shines through. Best of luck to you and I really admire your courage.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2007
Mon, 08-13-2007 - 10:37am
I was very concerned about the same thing and when I finally went to the dentist, I needed extensive work, so the sooner you go, the better. When I went, my dentist asked me if I had acid reflux, because the damage to your teeth is real similar, due to the stomach acid that your teeth are subjected to during a purge.
Regardless, GET TO THE DENTIST, before you have thousands of dollars of work that needs to be done, like I did.
Good Luck and God Bless!!!
P.S.--If you need more work than you can afford, ask your dentist about Care Credit. It carries a 0% interest for one year and the year starts when each individual piece of work is done, so it can be staggered throughout the year.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-13-2007
Mon, 08-13-2007 - 12:40pm
Seydmri- I have the answer for you. One of the side effects from Bulimia is oral gum recession, due to the caustic stomach acids that come up along with food. These acids erode the gums and then the bone that hold and support the teeth in place (and protect the teeth's roots). If this continues for a while (I don't know how long) the gum line recedes, eventually exposing the root (which will cause pain when exposed to the air and cold&/or liquids) and the bone recedes which loosens the tooth. I do not know how to correct this situation. The way to stop the progression is to stop the bulimia. Maybe good brushing afterwards or maybe using mouthwash to neutralize the acids might help-I don't know. If you have ever been pregnant, maybe you can say the gum recession was brought on by pregnancy (which can definitely happen). Or just look at them very naïve and say you don’t know what’s causing it. However, do see your dentist-that is very important for good oral hygiene. Have you ever checked into food allergies? Maybe eating something you are allergic to is triggering you to binge. I have heard of this happening. Maybe you can use the idea of "potential bone loss/tooth-loss" as a motivation to stop. Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2007
Tue, 08-14-2007 - 3:48pm
i am a 34 yr old female who has struggled with bulimia since i was 14 and have only been treated for it in the past 2 yrs if you have purged like you say you have you probably have little or no enamel left on your teeth my dentist has told me not to use any tooth paste that has any kind of whitening effects in it because it can somehow hurt my teeth so i dont know how the bleaching thing will effect your teeth good luck to you!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2001
Wed, 08-15-2007 - 10:08pm
After purging the best thing you can do is rinse with water. As for gingival recession due to pregnancy... I've never heard of this (doesn't mean it doesn't exist, i just don't recall it) As for pregnancy gingivitis, it's extremely common. Women who take great care of their teeth and gums can still get it due to hormones. But I don't think it progresses to periodontitis unless her oral care is very poor. If pregnant, regular dental recall appointments are important! Getting your teeth cleaned is very important for everyone! Periodontal disease is the # 1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Take care of your mouths!
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2005
Fri, 08-17-2007 - 7:55am

I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this discussion.

 

 

~Diana~

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