Purgers Remorse
November 20, 2008 at 5:07 pm | In Eating disorders, Health Hazard, Throwing Up, Useful Posts | 22 CommentsTags: anorexia, binge, bulimia, depression, Eating disorders, purging, recovery, teeth, therapy
My teeth hurt, still, again, always. They’re beyond belief now. I think I may have been hoping that somewhere along the line, they might fall out, and give me an excuse to stop eating altogether.
They also do nothing to help my hope for the future. In fact they depress me so much, that sometimes they alone, are nearly enough to take me to the bridge. I used to have naturally perfect teeth. People always used to comment on them, ask whether I’d had work done on them. It used to annoy Jake no end, he had to spend half his childhood at the orthodontist. I used to constantly be told how nice my smile was. I wonder sometimes when I gave up smiling, it seems like an eternity ago. I am so ashamed of my teeth now, they reflect pretty well what I think of my entire effort at life so far. They need fixing eventually, if I start facing up to things. In the meantime, purgers everywhere, here’s how to NOT end up like me:
What I should imagine you know already:
When you purge, stomach acid comes up along with the food, and this acid wears away your tooth enamel. Your toothy-pegs become sensitive as the underlying dentin is exposed, and eventually the tooth’s nerve ending is uncovered too. The teeth then become rotten, because enamel is your teeth’s shield against tooth decay. Obviously this means your teeth become yellowed, because the nice shiny white coating is dissolving, and they get chipped to buggery. Not attractive, unless you are a hooker from the Elizabethan era, or a dentist playing the rescuer in The Karpman Drama Triangle. I need to find me one of those Rescuer Dentists, or a lottery win!
When your dentist has a look in your gob, at your not-so-pearly-whites, chances are, he’s going to spot a purger. The damage isn’t instantaneous, but after a few years of head-in-loo-pan activity, it’s going to become apparent to him. That’s his job, after all. Or her’s, y’know, whatever. So don’t make the mistake I did about 15 years ago, and just stop going to the dentist altogether. Sooner or later, possibly sooner, you are going to have to face the music. Unfortunately this is the thoroughly unpleasant prospect I will be facing once I’m in recovery.
Now, don’t get all Marathon Man on me Dentist Dude, but whatchya gonna do?
Well apparently it depends on the severity of the damage. In some cases, the dentist can cover the tooth, or teeth with a layer of resiny stuff, like a substitute for the enamel. Your own tooth sized plastic raincoat. If the damage is worse, then you might need to get some teeth crowns. If, like me, your teeth are completely shagged, then you might need to get them replaced — either individually, or with dentures. Great, dentures before I’m 30. Nice. Well in my case, if I have to wear falsies, I’m going for a set of fangs, but the choice is obviously yours.
A lot of dentists won’t do any cosmetic stuff with your teeth if you aren’t in recovery. What’s the point in giving you a pretty smile (or fangs) if you’re going to go and knacker it all over again?
What I wish I’d known 15 years ago – Damage control
- Get your arse into recovery, the tooth fairy ain’t real!
- In order to see a dentist, you have to go SEE a dentist. Get one, and go.
- Don’t brush straight after you purge, rinse with water. Otherwise you’re literally just scrubbing at softened tooth enamel. It’s adding insult to injury.
- Some dentists reckon that you should use a fluoride rinse. This helps neutralizes acids and adds minerals to the enamel.
- You could try taking daily calcium supplements, they recommend approx 1,200-1,500mg
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste, or you could try brushing with toothpaste which contains fluoride before you purge. This could give you some added protection. Although I don’t know about you, but I have trouble remembering to close the frigging bathroom door, because of the panic, let alone stopping for dental hygiene procedures.
- They suggest you try to avoid acidic foods/drinks. Anything citrusy, and stay away from coffee
Yeah, so basically, purging knackers your teeth, but it doesn’t have to ruin them completely. If you can’t bear the thought of recovery just yet, then go for damage control. Obviously the key word is Damage here people, there will be damage, just try to minimise it
Lola x
PS Seriously, you don’t think the fangs would suit me, no? Not even just a couple on the top?
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Fangs? Oooo you sooo should! Even if you only bring them out on special occasions like halloween and scaring people you don’t like away and full moons and stuff!
Comment by Chapati — November 20, 2008 #
p.s. why do I get that scary purple face thing every time I comment on your blog?
p.p.s. I’m veeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrry hyper today! Bouncy bouncy too much coffeee..
p.p.p.s. I know this was a serious post and so I will be serious for a second: Good tips on how to save your teeth! As you say, though, I don’t really know the ins-and-outs of it, but I can’t imagine anyone who purges really stops to think long enough for anything in the moment, let alone tooth damage, before they do the deed?
Comment by Chapati — November 20, 2008 #
glad you did this post. something i hate thinking about that also makes me feel like death might be better than facing it head on. usually i manage not to think about it in daytime hours, but it keeps me from sleeping because i start worrying about it.
Comment by vive42 — November 20, 2008 #
Chapati, calm down wooooman! Yes, I think it’s one of those oh that won’t happen to my teeth scenarios, until you are suckered inth!
V – I know, i’ve been ignoring it for years, but I can no longer disregard the pain of chewing. S’pecially seeing as I’m doing a lot more of it now. Damn slide back into Bulimia! But yeah, it depresses me too, to the point where I only know one way of dealing with it, purging…oh the ED irony
Comment by Lola Snow — November 20, 2008 #
This is one of the things that worry be about purging…
My teeth aren’t particulary strong anyway, so I dread to think what they will be like if I continue in this fashion
I don’t know. Don’t you just wish that food didn’t rule your life? I know I do!
Anyway, lots of hugs to you hun
xx
Comment by Lindsay — November 20, 2008 #
Same to you lins,
{{{hugs}}}
Comment by Lola Snow — November 20, 2008 #
Ohh….even just the word dentist sends a shiver down my spine. I hate having my teeth cleaned. It’s such an aonizing process. Hate the sound of the drilling, hate the scraping of the plague on my teeth….. eeewww…..
Comment by Cool Polar — November 20, 2008 #
***runs and hides in a cupboard****
Noooooooooooooooo! Dentists are EVIL
Comment by Lola Snow — November 20, 2008 #
Rinsing with milk would be even better than rinsing with water: milk contains acid neutralizers to help . . . well, *neutralize* any stomach acids that may still be clinging to your teeth. Also full-fat milk works best. Remember, you’re going to spit, not swallow anyway, so just rinse with full-fat milk.
Hm. I’m pretty much a walking book of useless info, so I’m glad at least ONE thing I’ve deemed “useless” came in handy, even if it was for a sucky reason. But seriously, when you aren’t fixed yet, any damage control is better than none.
Regardless, *hugs* to you for struggling.
Comment by Marste — November 20, 2008 #
Oh, one more thing. Have you thought about asking your therapist if they keep a list on hand of dentists who are familiar with eating disorders? If so, you might be able to find a dentist who would work extra hard at not hurting you when you go in.
It might not work, but then again it might. Just a thought.
Comment by Marste — November 20, 2008 #
That’s a great tip about the milk Marste! I’m putting off the searching for a dentist until I figure out how to pay for it!!! Either that or wait two years to get back on the NHS dental list….
Comment by Lola Snow — November 20, 2008 #
My dentist is a butcher. Last time I went all he did was clean them and I was spitting out bits of blood and tissue in the little sink thing afterwards. Evil bastard. I’m really looking forward to having my wisdom teeth out…
..
..
anyway, hugs to your poor teeth, and to you x
Comment by cellar_door — November 20, 2008 #
C_D that sounds awful! More awful than a regular trip to the dentists.
I fear them all!!
It’s just something about letting a complete stranger put their fingers in my mouth that does it. Surely they should have to take me out a few times first!!??
Comment by Lola Snow — November 20, 2008 #
Although I don’t purge, I discovered a while ago that if your going to throw up, throw up a milk based product. Takes away the sting (and the acid I’d imagine)
Comment by NiroZ — November 21, 2008 #
Hi Lola, I know full well the damage that can be done to teeth
I am getting dental work done next week. A nice little $400 I get to dish out. I found a new dentist recently and am amazed at how much money I am going to save. I was going to a cosmetic dentist for awhile, which was really expensive. I haven’t purged in awhile…it has been a long time. I feel a little better than I used to but still get anxious. I’ve begun transferring some of my blogs now. I hope you are well. Take care Lola.
Comment by Joanna — November 21, 2008 #
Hi Niroz, it seems milk is the way forward. Weird that I never thought about it before, but the rational thinking isn’t always my forte
Joanna, Ouch 400 bucks is a bit pricey. I hope it all goes well for you and you are pleased with the results. I think it’s a big moving on step, even if you haven’t purged for a while, it helps put the past behind you.
Lola xx
Comment by Lola Snow — November 21, 2008 #
[...] Snow reflects on dental damage due to purging. My teeth hurt, still, again, always. They’re beyond belief now. I think I may have been hoping [...]
Pingback by Mental Nurse · This Week in Mentalists (56) — November 22, 2008 #
Lola, I so hear you about the destruction of your once beautiful teeth due to bulimia. My teeth are so awful now. I’ve had a lot of dental work done, and it is not a fun thing at all. Some of my older posts talk about it. Currently, I have three holes in my mouth where implants are supposed to be and a bridge that needs to be redone, but I seriously can’t afford any of this. So for now, I remain with the holes and hope my bridge stays on.
The damage control tips are good and very true.
And Lola, you really do want and need your teeth. Keep continuing on in the fight.
Comment by Tiptoe — November 23, 2008 #
Thanks Tiptoe, I intend to!
Lola x
Comment by Lola Snow — November 23, 2008 #
Ow. Grimace. Ow…
I have nightmares about my teeth, visions of their now flimsy little selves scattering out of my mouth if I fall down…And my gums. I am fairly certain I’ll be needing grafts this winter. Ow.
Comment by ramona — December 8, 2008 #
I am right there with you!!! The thought seems to slip into my head several times a day, I catch myself talking behind my hand all the time.
Lola x
Comment by Lola Snow — December 8, 2008 #
Heres what has worked for me for the last 5 years.
first before purging, rub fluoride toothpaste on the front and back of all of your teeth.
Its best to eat some bread or absorbing foods before purging as they will absorb a lot of stomach acid and therefore there will be less contact with the teeth. When you purge, try to keep your mouth open as wide as possible. Complete the process as fast as possible and IMMEDIATELY squeeze some of the toothpaste in your mouth and swish with water for about a minute.
Having a degree in chemistry, I can explain that the fluoride will bond with the Hydrogen ions from your stomach acid. By doing so, Hydrofluoric acid will form. HF is a weak acid and will do much less damage to your teeth that HCl. The more toothpaste you use, the more H protons will be snatched up by fluoride, and there will be less acid in your mouth.
Comment by juice — January 11, 2009 #