Can bulimia cause sores in the mouth?

Can bulimia cause sores in the mouth?

Frequent vomiting also results in canker sores, redness and pain in the mouth and enlarged salivary glands, which may cause swollen cheeks. Bulimia behaviors may also result in dry mouth, cavities, periodontal disease and general poor oral hygiene (Lyons, 2017).

What is the best medication for bulimia?

Prozac is the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of bulimia. But your doctor might use other medications “off label” to help, including Zoloft and Paxil. Most clinicians agree that participating in a therapy program is one of the best ways to address bulimia.

How do teeth heal after bulimia?

Once purging has stopped, teeth can be repaired using various methods, and depending on the severity of the damage. One treatment option is composite filling restorations or white fillings, porcelain laminates, or full crowns.

How does bulimia affect oral health?

For those with bulimia, harsh stomach acid from frequent vomiting wears away tooth enamel increasing the risk of tooth decay; and the effects of anorexia, especially the lack of nutrients consumed, can weaken the jaw bone which also weakens teeth and leads to tooth loss.

How do I protect my teeth when purging?

You can help protect your teeth from bulimia by:

1. Rinsing out your mouth with water to reduce the acidity. Water helps to dilute the acidic environment left behind after purging.
2. Avoiding brushing right after purging.
3. Taking supplements and treatments prescribed by your dentist.

What happens if you leave bulimia untreated?

If left untreated, bulimia can result in long-term health problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, bleeding from the esophagus due to excessive reflux of stomach acid, dental problems, and kidney problems.

Why is Prozac used to treat bulimia?

Prozac has proven to reduce binge-purge cycles in bulimia. Antidepressant medicines may reduce episodes of binge eating in those who have binge eating disorder, and they may help with related depression or anxiety. Antidepressants regulate brain chemicals that control mood.