The “tooth” about bulimia
I must preface this by saying that I’ve only tangoed with Ana, not with Mia; however, this morning I got a small taste of what life is probably like for bulimics.
I went to the dentist and discovered that my constant morning sickness (from five years ago) was enough to start decay in a couple of my teeth. Now, half a decade later, two of my teeth are headed for filling-land. Though I can’t prove it was my many months of vomiting that did it, I’ve been told by several professionals that it’s highly likely.
I can’t begin to wrap my head around what happens to teeth when you’re regurgitating day after day, week after week, month after month… for years.
Tags: Ana, Bulimia, cavities, making yourself vomit, Mia, morning sickness, regurgitation, teeth, tooth decay
4 opinions for The “tooth” about bulimia
Erin
Jun 20, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I had my first root canal at four years old. One of those babies that absolutely WOULD not sleep without my bottle.
So since I’ve always had cavities I’ve always been prone to getting them. However, six months after I started purging I had nine cavities. And I’m also one of those people that really does go every six months.
Last year I had yet another root canal. I’ve gotten a lot better about protecting myself after a purge (or so I thinkpp…) but theres nothing worse than having the bones in your gum sawed down in order to save a tooth. Except of course…realizing that that’s still not the breaking point.
(I also never floss…so I can’t blame it entirely on the eating disorder…or my sweet tooth)
Amie
Jun 23, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I have been with mia for almost 3 years now and I just went to the dentist a few days ago. In only 6 months I have 8 cavities. I am not looking forward to getting them filled. but tooth decay and physcotherapy aren’t enough to make me stop.
angelique
Jul 3, 2008 at 8:50 am
Erin:
Ouch!
From what I understand, though, it’s impossible to reverse what’s been done. And the only way to truly protect your teeth is to stop purging, which must be extraordinarily difficult.
Uggh. I’m hoping you don’t have to experience any more root canals. I’ve heard they’re not in the least bit “fun”!
angelique
Jul 3, 2008 at 8:52 am
Amie:
What do you think would make you stop your relationship with Mia? I know for me it took a number of life-changing events to remove myself from Ana, as well as just getting fed up with spending every waking moment trying to figure out how NOT to eat.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: