Bulimia jaw is a term for a number of symptoms that can result from the purging aspect of bulimia nervosa (BN). It can refer to swelling, intense pain, and a misalignment of the jaw, and sometimes require surgery to correct. Further Reading. Bulimia Jaw: Pain and Swelling.
BN involves episodes of purging, often as self-induced vomiting, which puts stress on the jaw and can cause facial pain. (1) Over time, purging can change the alignment of the jaw joints leading to long-term effects like headaches, bite changes, shoulder pain, and neck discomfort.
Here's the good news for individuals suffering from parotid gland enlargement: when you stop bingeing and purging, the parotid glands shrink back to their normal size over time. However, they do not shrink immediately — so patience is key. Medications and other remedies may help to provide relief.
If an individual has swelling in their salivary glands it will disappear after a few weeks if the individual continues to not engage in self-induced vomiting. However, if the individual begins to self-induce vomiting again, the swelling will reappear if they stop engaging in self-induced vomiting.
Swollen salivary glands are another common attribute seen in people with bulimia nervosa who purge by self-induced vomiting. Officially referred to as acute sialadenosis, or “bulimia cheeks” this sign of bulimia involves puffy, swollen, or otherwise enlarged salivary glands which are located in the cheeks.
The best way to prevent bulimia jaw is to seek help for bulimia nervosa as soon as possible. Working on ending purging behavior while also working to improve your diet can do a lot to reduce or eliminate the impact of bulimia jaw.
Physical Symptoms of Bulimia
Dental issues, including tooth decay, chipped teeth, or stained or yellow teeth. Swelling of cheeks, mouth, or jaw. Calluses on hands and knuckles. Mouth sores.
With appropriate treatment, those struggling with bulimia nervosa will be able to reverse most of the physical symptoms and lead a normal, healthy life. Unfortunately, dental issues including tooth decay, breakage and discoloring may not be reversible and may require medical intervention.
Purging isn't effective at getting rid of calories, which is why most people suffering with bulimia end up gaining weight over time. Vomiting immediately after eating won't eliminate more than 50% of the calories consumed— usually much less.
Self-induced vomiting may contribute to the puffiness in the face or “bulimia face.” After a long duration of constant purging, suddenly stopping would lead to a person displaying bulimia face. Swollen cheeks are created by swelling in the salivary glands and appear a few weeks after a person stops purging.
Erosion of the tooth enamel can happen quite quickly when people with bulimia nervosa frequently engage in self-induced vomiting. Within just six months, the teeth can start to lose their shine as the outer enamel layer wears away. The eroded tooth surfaces start to turn a yellow hue as the dentin shows through.
Bulimia is unique, in that it can lead to specific signs in the teeth or face. Repetitive vomiting and exposure to stomach acid can lead to tooth decay as well as swelling of the salivary glands and enlarged cheeks.
Erosion can drastically change the color, size and shape of your teeth. Excessive tooth erosion is one way your dentist could tell if a patient may be bulimic. Frequent vomiting can lead to sensitive teeth, dry mouth and red, cracked lips. All signs that your dentist is trained to recognize as side effects of bulimia.
Bulimia can permanently damage your stomach and intestines, causing other problems like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Hormonal problems. Reproductive issues, including irregular periods, missed periods, and fertility problems are common side effects when you have bulimia.
Effects of bulimia on the throat include scratches at the back of the throat caused by forcing a gag reflex (known as “Russell's Sign”), stomach acid causes erosion of the pharynx (throat), damage to vocal cords, swelling of salivary glands and weakening or rupture of the esophagus.
Given the health problems that occur alongside bulimia, there is an increased risk of death among people who live with this eating disorder. Research has shown that the crude mortality rate of bulimia is 3.9% over the long term.
Over time, bulimia can cause a person to experience very serious symptoms, such as severe dehydration, organ damage, stroke, and heart attack. Some of these symptoms can be life-threatening or cause permanent damage to the body.
Neurological Effects on the Brain Caused by Bulimia Nervosa
Eating disorders can have a variety of effects on the brain as well. Repeated binge eating episodes can alter the way the brain releases and distributes serotonin, not to mention the various deficiencies in brain function resulting from prolonged malnutrition.
Treatment Options for Teeth Damaged by Bulimia
If you have experienced severe tooth damage from bulimia, a dentist can restore your teeth with implants, porcelain onlays, crowns, or other treatments. Your cosmetic dentist will restore your tooth function and oral health and give you a beautiful smile.
1 A common side effect of self-induced vomiting is bulimia teeth. Bulimia teeth describes a variety of oral health problems resulting from frequent binging and purging through self-induced vomiting.
Unfortunately, many people across the nation suffer from this condition. Repairing teeth that have been worn down from bulimia can cost upward of $50,000. The costs are high because every tooth may need to be capped with a dental crown.
Following vomiting, rinsing with a mixture of 1 teaspoon baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water will neutralize the hydrochloric stomach acids that damage the teeth. Rinsing with plain water is optimal when baking soda is not available to minimize the oral acidity.
If you struggle with bulimia, you can further protect your teeth by keeping a solution of baking soda and water in the refrigerator. When swished in the oral cavity immediately after vomiting, this solution can neutralize hydrochloric acid and help prevent the most severe erosion.