It is probably not a subject that many of us like to think about, and we hope that you aren\u2019t eating as you read our latest blog. The truth is though, that regular vomiting can have a serious effect on your teeth, even going so far as to destroy the enamel if this happens over a period of time.<\/p>\n
Whilst occasionally being sick should do little long term damage to your teeth, providing that otherwise you look after them well, there are two categories of patients who may experience this particular problem more frequently.<\/p>\n
Mums to be<\/strong><\/p>\n We have mentioned before that, during pregnancy, the changes in hormones in your body mean that gum disease is more likely than normal. This is not the only problem during this time though.<\/p>\n Although some women are little troubled by it, morning sickness is a major problem for many and a long period of frequent morning vomiting can cause damage to your teeth. As you are sick, stomach acids pass over the teeth. This is quite a corrosive substance and can soon strip away some of the protective enamel that helps to prevent decay and damage to the inner sections of your teeth.<\/p>\n Eating disorder sufferers<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Patients of our Burton dental surgery<\/a> who suffer from eating disorders are also more likely than others to have this problem. This particularly applies to bulimia sufferers who tend to binge eat and then voluntarily vomit afterwards in order to empty the stomach. As this can happen several times a day, it is not hard to see the extent of damage that can be done over a longer period of time.<\/p>\n In both of these instances, there is probably little that can be done in the short term. Morning sickness will eventually subside and hopefully, eating disorder sufferers will receive appropriate treatment. It is important that you make sure to keep your teeth clean to minimise any damage that is done. You should also visit Mike Allen\u2019s Dental Practice on a regular basis so that we can help you with this.<\/p>\n