I feel the same way and I think it’s because the latter is something about your looks. They’d might as well tell me that I’m getting fat- it becomes another outward cosmetic issue. Like if you have a ton of cavities and gross teeth, you could just as well be eating too much candy and drinking too much soda. And it could be ugly, just like being fat could be ugly. Hurting your body is such an internal thing that nobody can see so it doesn’t matter as much when it comes to embarassment and shame.

My dentist didn’t figure it out- or at least he didn’t tell me that he knew if he did. I was scared shitless though when I first went- enough that he actually asked me why I was so nervous about xrays. haha. The only thing that he did notice was that my teeth weren’t as white as they should be but he asked me if I drank a lot of coffee and I just went with that. I actually asked about my enamel and he said that it’s totally fine. And then proceeded to tell me how it takes years and years to ruin enamel- how its sooo strong and I have nothing to worry about He did slightly allude to not knowing what on earth I was doing with my teeth to cause so many cavities (six of them) but I think it was just a passing thought.

My current dentist is treating me for decalcification, sensitivity, gum recession, stress-related tooth grinding, etc and has never shown any indication that he suspects an ED.

A periodontist that I saw last year took one look in my mouth, one look at me, and said “Are you in treatment for your anorexia?” Unfortunately since I didn’t need gum surgery, that was a one-time visit, he can’t do much for me. He did hand-write a very nice follow-up letter, encouraging me in my treatment efforts.

I wish there were some database of dentists that treat eating disorder patients, similar to the different treatment finder search engines for therapists!

this is so true. although i bit the bullet a while back and decided to be honest. i got extreeeeemely lucky– 5+ years of on and off anorexia & bulimia and no permanent tooth damage besides a few cavities– but i’m glad i shared my secret. now when i go back i can be reassured that my teeth are truly ok and that they aren’t just doing what they need to do while noticing that my teeth are actually falling apart. because if they were, i’d want to know that so that i could figure out what to do (if at very least to minimize further damage).

sending courage your way… the dentist is actually an important part of your team….

I think in general, dentistry is coming around a bit. My current dentist was quite sensitive to my issues, but I was also at a stage of being up front and honest with her. I know in recent news, some dentists are trying to collaborate better with other professionals in regards to Ed patients. I’m still curious about the Bulimia is a Dental Disease book. Anyone read it yet?

After my last appointment with a new dentist, I’m thinking I should have gotten more tubes of that stuff. Not pretty. The damage to my teeth is more from osteoporosis than purging, since vomiting wasn’t my preferred method.

Jess – what did you say when you cosmetic dentist brought it up?