Physical and psychological evidences of an eating disorder

Dental evidence of eating disorders

The teeth show another physical problem common among people with eating disorders. Bulimia can damage teeth. The stomach acid from vomiting can eat the enamel, resulting in increased sensitivity to temperature. In extreme cases the pulp can be exposed and cause infection, discoloration, or even pulp death (death of a tooth that may require extraction). Bulimia can also lead to enlargement of the salivary glands; dry mouth; reddened, dry, cracked lips; and tooth decay, which can actually be aggravated by extensive toothbrushing or rinsing following vomiting.

Less well known is that people with anorexia have dental trouble, too. Their saliva is deficient in the buffers that protect teeth from the effects of acid manufactured by bacteria in the mouth, and that are present in food and soft drinks. Normal saliva contains buffers that are made in part from materials found in fatty foods.

With the prevalence of over-the-counter "teeth whiteners," the dental clues can be harder to see. But an unusual obsession with the teeth can be a sign of some kind of food compulsion. Poor teeth, isolation, carefully managed eating, a certain sense of being better than other people: These are the kind of clues that call attention to an eating disorder.

Personality traits

People with eating disorders show some characteristic personality styles and behaviors. Anorexia and other deprivation disorders may be part of a pattern that is extremely controlled and controlling. Those with bulimia or binge-eating disorders may display extreme emotional ups and downs. When combined with other clues, these traits should be warning signs.

Other clues of eating disorders

People with eating disorders may have substanceabuse problems as well, or they may be in recovery from a substance- abuse problem and have "switched addictions." "Cutting" or self-mutilation is another drastic technique kids some individuals use to manage intense emotions, and it can go along with eating disorders, as well.

Life or death

Eating disorders tend to be progressive - they may get worse because no one can achieve "perfection," so the person keeps trying. Eating disorders can indeed kill those who are afflicted by them, but even if they aren't fatal, they can damage the developing bodies and brains of young people who are starving or otherwise hurting themselves. The isolation of the disease can also deprive a young person of critical social interactions. And since an eating disorder is often a mask for depression or a cry for help, injury by accidents and even suicide can be an end result of unaddressed eating disorders.

One student who is now almost in full recovery from both anorexia and bulimia says that she thought that sooner or later she would either kill herself purging, or someone would force her into treatment again. Early detection of disordered eating habits is one of the most important factors to achieve successful recovery.

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