harm reduction for your teeth!!
your teeth are covered by a hard, shiny substance called enamel. underneath that is dentin, which is a dull yellow. it’s also sensitive to temperature and touch. you should not be able to see this substance.
signs your enamel may be damaged:
your teeth have transparent edges
your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
some things to keep in mind:
eds can damage your teeth even if you don’t purge
if you purge the best thing you can do for your teeth is to quit entirely. if you cannot do that, try to reduce frequency as much as possible and also drink a lot of water before during and after. but it really is worth it to try and quit!
vomiting from any cause damages your teeth. acid reflux, hangovers, purging. stomach acid doesn’t discriminate.
acidic foods and drinks (which people with eds tend to enjoy) can also weaken enamel
eating disorders weaken the skeletal system in general and the teeth are part of the skeletal system
use an enamel building toothpaste. I like the sensodyne pronamel toothpaste a lot! it can help reharden weakened enamel (but cannot help the enamel that’s already been eroded grow back)
you could also consider trying a toothpaste with nano hydroyapatite. keep in mind that it’s not approved by the FDA
considering limiting citrus fruit and other acidic foods. if you do eat them, combine them with some yogurt or cheese to help neutralize the acid and/or rinse your mouth after
vitamin C support the absorption of fluoride and vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium
use an electric toothbrush. it’s more thorough and gentler on your teeth than a non electric one
avoid whitening toothpastes if you suspect your enamel may be damaged
don’t neglect flossing! having healthy gums is a part of having healthy teeth. they’re the foundation!
don’t opt out of fluoride treatments at the dentist
make sure to stay hydrated
after vomiting, wait at least an hour to brush your teeth. if you brush your teeth right away it will only wear at the enamel more. you can however rinse with a fluoride mouthwash and/or gently rub some toothpaste onto your teeth with your fingers
rinse your mouth with water after vomiting
eat calcium rich foods like yogurt and cheese
take care of your teeth! brush and floss twice a day. many people think there’s no point because of the damage they’re doing but that’s not true! it can still make a huge difference
consider taking a calcium supplement
drink acidic drinks through a straw to minimize the amount of time they’re in contact with your teeth
chew sugar free gum. it stimulates saliva production which is protective for your teeth
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