Eating Disorders Support Group

Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

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xBlissx 04/18/2012

So I've never really had any problems with my teeth. I'm 24 and never had a filling although, being honestI think I should have had 1 in my lower back molar a while ago but it's not causing me any problems so I just haven't bothered to get it sorted.

I've recently been struggling with purging. I've had anorexia for about 4 years now but at a recovered weight at the moment. Trouble is, I'm still having issues with my diet and have over the last couple of months, started purging quite a bit. It's not an everyday thing, just when I feel I've had too much and can get away with it I guess.

I'm upset today though because I was quite happily munching on a sugar free sweet ealrier this afternoon, when I bit down and a chip of tooth came off on my upper molar leaving a hole. I'm lucky because it hasn't exposed any nerves or anything but still... it's upsetting. It's not like it can just be glued back on :(

deleted_user 04/19/2012

I have this problem, too. Only with more than one tooth. And a couple of them have exposed nerves--let me tell you, that hurts more than any other pain I've ever experienced. And I still haven't gotten a chance to go to a dentist. I'm too terrified. Definitely go to a dentist to get it checked out. If your insurance covers it, you may even be able to get a filling-type thing where they fill the hole or replace the tooth.

stickywick 04/19/2012

Stop now ladies. I know its hard...more than hard...but the damage is being done. I didnt have a cavity until I was 35. Then......I had only one.
But my gums were starting to show real recession. Now I'm told I need a gum graph, and, if I'm lucky I won't lose my beautiful white teeth (I bleached them and straightened them) before I'm 50.I'm 43. I havent binged/purged in years but I was an active bulemic for like 15 years from my teens through my 20's. All i can say is it does come back to haunt you. it does and will.Do quit while you are ahead. Go to the dentist.
Go to a support group. FA or OA are both excellent. You don't have to live that way.

deleted_user 04/21/2012

I've had anorexia and Bulimia for close to 30 years- full crowns on lower and 3 fixed perm bridges on the top. over 50k in work over the past 10 years. Go get them protected ASAP. Enamel enhancing toothpaste. Don't be embarassed to tell the dentist- they see it all the time. even from lemon candy you can do the same damage. if you have to get them bonded do it - protect your teeth. stop purging. :( please.

although my nickname is "Hollywood" because of my teeth,(they're gorgeous) I'd much rather have all of my own. I know as I get older(now 42) I'll need full upper and lower dentures.

deleted_user 04/21/2012

This happened to me. Two of my teeth started having chips come off at random. I got them fixed and the dentist bitched at me because practically all of my teeth have eroded enamel. If you can, stop purging and see a dentist before it gets worse.

mybeach 04/23/2012

I may be the only one to add this caution but it's from my own experience. I have had pockets that needed to grafted and gum grafts, likely genetic but ED didn't help. CAUTION- please have support when doing dental work. Both surgeries spun me into a major relapse, still not pulling out of the last one. I am anorexic and being put on a "soft foods" diet and having to eliminate some of my usual foods- you guessed it, I happily skipped the foods but did not replace them. Caloried dropped along with weight and now I have had the green light to eat all foods again, I still haven't been able to mentally increase again. Big struggle and I may have done better had I discussed with my dentist, thereapist, someone, anyone.

so I am not saying don't get your teeth checked/fixed, please do as gum/teeth problems can effect your entire body. Just be prepared and have a plan so you don't give ED more ammo.

deleted_user 04/23/2012

I have been having problems with the left side of my jaw. It constantly wants to lock up on me and it hurts to open.
Is this common with ED?

deleted_user 04/23/2012

I too have had this issue. Earlier this year my father was staying at my house, he doesn't know I have relapsed into bulimia. I was eating dinner with him and my tongue touched my teeth. I realized there was a massive chip taken from my front tooth... I felt bad having to get my parents to pay for it to be fixed knowing my behaviors had caused it. The sooner it gets fixed the better!

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