A bulimia symptom is when acid in purged vomit melts away a patient's teeth. This is called dental erosion and is caused when tooth enamel dissolves in stomach acid. Without treatment, bulimia can cause the loss of all of a patient's teeth. This is why it is extremely important that a person with this disorder confidentially speak with a knowledgeable dentist.

         The teeth can be protected against this negative bulimia symptom! Dr. Padolsky constructs a protective plastic cover which is placed over the teeth. The plastic forms a barrier against the hydrochloric acid in the vomit. The covers are inserted over the teeth right after a binge when a bulimic knows that she will be purging soon. After the purge, the protective covers are removed and the teeth rinsed in a bicarbonate rinse to neutralize any remaining acid.

         These protective measures are very important. Dr. Padolsky believes, even after successfully treatment, that a bulimic can later have occasional purging episodes. Purging is the bulimic's response to stress, just like a person with an ulcer has pain when stressed or a person with a back problem has back pain with stress.

      Both Dr. Padolsky and Dr. Smith would be honored to care for you. The Atlanta Dental Group PC provides a safe and secure environment to share your problems and obtain needed dental care. We have experience treating out of town patients and necessary dental care can often be intensively performed at our treatment facility without the need to go to different doctors. If you are concerned about this dental bulimia symptom and want to consult with Dr. Padolsky, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.