DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter THE DENTAL DAMAGE OF EATING DISORDERS Eating disorders can wreak havoc on every system in the body, but their effects on dental health are often overlooked. Stomach acid from frequent vomiting erodes tooth enamel, weakening it and making teeth brittle, possibly causing them to fall out. It can also damage the soft palate and result in painful enlargement of the salivary glands. Lack of nutrition can cause bleeding in the gums and other soft tissue inside the mouth. Tissue loss both inside the mouth and around the lips is also possible. Tooth decay and gum disease specifically can be caused by lack of calcium and the vitamin D required for the body to absorb it, iron, and B vitamins. P.S. Some of the damage eating disorders cause to the teeth and soft tissue of the mouth can be reversable, but much of it is permanent and may require expansive dental care including crowns and extractions. No matter what your oral concerns may be, we want you to be comfortable coming to our office. We try to make all our patients' visits as relaxing as possible. If you are hesitant about visiting the dentist and haven't done so in a while, we invite you to call us at CARPENTER DENTAL and find out how satisfying, rewarding, even life-changing a visit to the dentist can be. For full- service, patient-friendly dental care in a comfortable atmosphere, make an appointment today at 1086 Wyoming Ave, Forty Fort. You can reach us at 570.331.0909. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter THE DENTAL DAMAGE OF EATING DISORDERS Eating disorders can wreak havoc on every system in the body, but their effects on dental health are often overlooked. Stomach acid from frequent vomiting erodes tooth enamel, weakening it and making teeth brittle, possibly causing them to fall out. It can also damage the soft palate and result in painful enlargement of the salivary glands. Lack of nutrition can cause bleeding in the gums and other soft tissue inside the mouth. Tissue loss both inside the mouth and around the lips is also possible. Tooth decay and gum disease specifically can be caused by lack of calcium and the vitamin D required for the body to absorb it, iron, and B vitamins. P.S. Some of the damage eating disorders cause to the teeth and soft tissue of the mouth can be reversable, but much of it is permanent and may require expansive dental care including crowns and extractions. No matter what your oral concerns may be, we want you to be comfortable coming to our office. We try to make all our patients' visits as relaxing as possible. If you are hesitant about visiting the dentist and haven't done so in a while, we invite you to call us at CARPENTER DENTAL and find out how satisfying, rewarding, even life-changing a visit to the dentist can be. For full- service, patient-friendly dental care in a comfortable atmosphere, make an appointment today at 1086 Wyoming Ave, Forty Fort. You can reach us at 570.331.0909. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com