Last Updated on: 23rd May 2024, 08:17 am

In this article, you will learn about the types of eating disorders, signs and symptoms, their impact on oral health, and preventive tips to follow.

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have severe consequences for an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. These disorders are characterized by abnormal and often harmful eating behaviors, such as restrictive eating, binge eating, or purging, that can lead to malnutrition, weight loss or gain, and other health complications.

Table of Contents

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent alterations in eating behaviors that negatively affect the physical and mental health of the persons afflicted. In addition to having a negative impact on quality of life, eating disorders also control self-image, relationships with family and friends, and performance at school or work.

types of eating disorders — Eating disorders are behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent alterations in eating behaviors that negatively affect the physical and mental health of the persons afflicted.

Most eating disorders are associated with an obsessive preoccupation with weight, body shape, food, or anxiety to eat, leading to dangerous eating behaviors, which are driven similar to an addiction. These behaviors can significantly affect the body’s ability to obtain proper nutrition. Eating disorders can damage the heart, digestive system, bones, teeth, and mouth while leading to other illnesses.

Treatment for these disorders must be addressed psychologically, behaviorally, nutritionally, and medically.

Types of eating disorders

1. Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight or at a healthy weight. People with anorexia often restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, and may engage in purging behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives.

woman-having-anorexia — Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite being underweight or at a healthy weight.

Some of the physical symptoms of anorexia include significant weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, and hair loss. In severe cases, anorexia can lead to organ damage, infertility, and even death. To learn more about the effects of anorexia on oral health, click here.

2. Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa is another type of eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives. People with bulimia often have a distorted body image and a fear of gaining weight, but may have a normal or slightly overweight body size.

bulimia teeth — Bulimia nervosa is another type of eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging behaviors such as vomiting or using laxatives.

Symptoms of bulimia can include frequent episodes of binge eating, excessive exercise, and self-induced vomiting. In addition to physical complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, bulimia can also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. We have a complete and comprehensive guide about bulimia teeth that can help you and your oral health.

3. Binge eating disorder

Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often in secret and without the ability to control the eating behavior. People with binge eating disorder may feel ashamed or guilty after a binge episode, but do not engage in purging behaviors.

diffculty-in-chewing — Binge eating disorder is a type of eating disorder that involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often in secret and without the ability to control the eating behavior.

Physical symptoms of binge eating disorder can include obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as emotional issues such as low self-esteem and depression.

4. Rumination disorder

Individuals with rumination disorder often exhibit symptoms such as repeated regurgitation of food, re-chewing of food, and swallowing the regurgitated food again. These behaviors can occur during or after meals and can happen frequently. People with rumination disorder may also experience gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and weight loss. They may also feel ashamed or embarrassed about their behavior, leading to social isolation and avoidance of eating with others.

Apart from physical symptoms, individuals with rumination disorder may also experience psychological distress such as anxiety or depression. They may have difficulty concentrating, feel tired, or experience disrupted sleep patterns.

5. Other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED)

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) is a category of eating disorders that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, but still involve disordered eating behaviors and can have significant health consequences.

Examples of OSFED include a typical anorexia, where a person restricts their food intake but is not underweight, and purging disorder, where a person engages in purging behaviors without binge eating.

Impact of eating disorders on oral health

Eating disorders can affect a person’s oral health. Without proper nutrition, the tissues lose minerals and can develop osteoporosis, a condition that causes the deterioration of the jaws and a loss of support for the teeth. Insufficient nutrients can also cause mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, a dry mouth, and chapped lips. Likewise, according to the ADA, vomiting frequently affects the teeth because stomach acids deteriorate their enamel, causing dental erosions, changes in color, the predisposition to cavities and dental fissures, and even the loss of the teeth themselves.

woman-consulting-to-a-dentist — Eating disorders can affect a person’s oral health. Without proper nutrition, the tissues lose minerals and can develop osteoporosis, a condition that causes the deterioration of the jaws and a loss of support for the teeth.

How to prevent eating disorders?

Eating disorders stem from a variety of physical, emotional, and social problems that need to be addressed to prevent and treat these disorders. While eating disorders seem to focus on body image, food, and weight, they often relate to many other topics. Support from and one’s closest social circle is important, as well as consultation with health professionals. Encouragement to seek treatment is essential to provide an early diagnosis and a possible intervention for recovery.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of eating disorders and their symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating behaviors, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require specialized care and support.

Contact us

If you or someone close to you has an eating disorder, consider going to your trusted dentist. Your support can be very important in recovery, as well as in preventing or correcting dental problems. Going to health professionals to receive adequate treatment for eating disorder problems is transcendental.

If you have any questions about types of eating disorders or other topics, you can contact us at Channel Islands Family Dental as well as our page on Facebook. We look forward to your visit and we will make a timely diagnosis. Our dentists in Oxnard, Santa Paula, Ventura , Newbury Park, and Port Hueneme will be able to guide you toward the best treatment to take care of your health and give you back your best smile.

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5 Types of Eating Disorders and Its Definitive Symptoms