Eating Disorders Damage Teeth Says Michigan Dentist
Timothy Kosinski
An Often Overlooked Impact of Eating Disorders Is
Damage Done to Teeth
BINGHAM FARMS, Michigan -- Eating disorders are not just
a struggle for teenage girls and grown women but also impact young boys and
men.
Conservative estimates are that some 1.5 million girls and
women and 1 million boys and men in the U.S. suffer from some type of eating
disorder such as anorexia and bulimia after puberty.
Dr. Timothy Kosinski, DDS, of SmileCreator in Bingham Farms
regularly works with patients to overcome an eating disorder because of the
impact on dental health. Bulimia is especially harmful to the teeth.
From constant vomiting, the enamel and dentin coverings on the
back of the upper front teeth surfaces will erode, explains Dr. Kosinski. The
amount of erosion depends on the frequency and degree of vomiting.
And when the back teeth are affected there will be a change in
the bite from the loss of tooth structure. Another problem common with bulimics
is swelling of the parotid gland. Bulimia also can result in having a dry mouth
because of dehydration from fasting and vomiting and abuse of laxatives and
diuretics.
Dr. Kosinski stresses that patients suspected of bulimia should
be referred to mental health professionals who are experienced in eating
disorders.
"From a dental standpoint, these patients should come in for
regular professional cleanings and practice meticulous oral hygiene and home
care," says Dr. Kosinski. "They should rinse vigorously with water immediately
after vomiting. The use of 'artificial saliva' and daily application of
fluoride in custom trays also helps minimize damage to the teeth and gums.
Elective cosmetic treatment should not be attempted during the active phase of
this disorder."
A common measure employed by Dr. Kosinski at SmileCreator is a
mouth guard that protects the enamel and dentin tooth coverings and tooth
structure.
While a preoccupation with food and weight is evident with
those who exhibit an eating disorder, often their behavior is compensating for
strong feelings and emotions that seem overwhelming. Both emotional and
physical health can be adversely affected.
According to information on the National Eating Disorders
Association, 42 percent of 1st thru 3rd grade girls want to be thinner, 46
percent of 9-11 year-olds are "sometime" or "very often" on diets, 45 percent
of American women are on a diet on any given day, and 80 percent of American
women are dissatisfied with their appearance.
Three of the more common eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa
(characterized by excessive weight loss and self-starvation), Bulimia Nervosa
(characterized by binge eating followed by purging) and Binge Eating Disorder
(characterized by impulsive eating and excessive weight gain). Bulimics are
very good at hiding their disorder.
Persons who suffer from eating disorders should first consult
their physician, who can refer patients to the emotional support professional
needed, and then should consult their dentist to protect their oral health.
For more information about Dr. Kosinski or SmileCreator go to
www.smilecreator.net, call 248-646-8651 or send an email query to
allquestions@smilecreator.net. SmileCreator is located at 31000
Telegraph Rd., Suite 170, Bingham Farms, MI 48025
About Dr. Timothy Kosinski: He has practiced general and
implant dentistry for 20 years. A graduate of University of Detroit Dental
School, he completed comprehensive implant training at Harvard. He is a
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry, The
International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the American Society of
Osseointegration. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry
and most recently received his Mastership in the AGD in Anaheim this year. Dr.
Kosinski has been inducted into the American and International Colleges of
Dentists and the Academy of Dentistry International. Dr. Kosinski was selected
the Best Dentist in America by his peers in 2004-2005.
Eating Disorders Damage Teeth Says Michigan Dentist Timothy
Kosinski
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