How Anorexia Affects the Teeth 

Anorexia nervosa can lead to poor oral hygiene and damage in a number of ways.

The severe restriction of food intake involved in AN often leads to nutritional deficiencies, which can have a number of physical impacts. For oral health specifically, the lack of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and zinc can bring on complications like:⁵

• Tooth decay
• Dental erosion (specifically enamel)
• Weakened tooth structure
• Soft palate lesions
• Tongue-related complications

Electrolyte dysregulation, which is also a result of nutrient deficiencies, can cause further problems, including impaired salivary function and gum disease.⁵ AN can also cause osteoporosis, or the weakening of the bones, which can sometimes diminish the jaw to such a degree that teeth become loose. In some cases, osteoporosis can lead to cracked teeth or tooth loss.¹

Signs of Tooth Damage Caused by Anorexia

The first sign that your eating disorder may be affecting your teeth is typically a change in teeth sensitivity. As protective layers of enamel wear away, teeth become more sensitive to hot and cold.⁶ You may even experience pain if the tooth is exposed to certain foods, such as those high in sugar.

An oral health professional is often the first health care professional to identify the signs of an eating disorder. Some common indications include:³

• Tooth erosion
• Cracks in enamel
• Mouth sores
• Enlarged salivary glands
• Chronic dry mouth

If dental professionals discover signs of an eating disorder, they may recommend seeking treatment and provide a referral. Generally, earlier detection is associated with less damage to oral tissues and fewer permanent issues.³

How to Take Care of Your Teeth

If you struggle with anorexia nervosa, especially binge-purge type, it’s important to take dental hygiene seriously. The eating behaviors involved in the condition can create major risks for oral health.

It will likely be most helpful and effective to consult your dentist for specific guidance. Some general treatment recommendations may include:⁴ 

• Dental restorations
• Oral rinses
• Specific rinsing and brushing instructions around self-induced vomiting
• Using non-abrasive toothpaste or baking soda 

Still, the best and most effective way to take care of dental health when struggling with an eating disorder is to seek treatment for the disorder itself. So long as there is food restriction, binging, purging, and other disordered eating behaviors going on, someone can continue damaging their oral health and overall health.

Finding Treatment for Anorexia

Eating disorders like AN, BN, and binge eating disorder (BED) are complex mental health conditions that can have serious or even fatal medical consequences. These conditions require highly specialized treatment based on the individual’s specific needs. 

Many patients can see results with outpatient therapy, but others may benefit from the higher levels of care. People who have struggled with self-harm or substance use disorder or who have especially severe symptoms as a result of their eating disorder may need a residential program or require hospitalization at first to achieve the best results. 

A good place to start is by talking to a mental health expert who specializes in treating eating disorders. Regardless of the severity of your condition, it’s important to remember that help is available and recovery is possible.