Bulimic Vomiting - Stomach Acid Causes Problems
Hydrochloric Acid Responsible for Dental Erosion and Other Ailments
May 8, 2009
When vomiting, a harsh chemical from the stomach (hydrochloric acid) is expelled into the throat and the mouth and all bodily parts connected with the stomach along the path of expulsion.
Hydrochloric Acid, the Stomach and Connecting Tissue
The human stomach produces an acid identified as hydrochloric acid which breaks down the contents of the stomach. Manufactured by the parietal cells, just a few drops of this solvent would eat through wood.
The amazing design of the human body appoints the epithelial cells to produce bicarbonate which neutralizes hydrochloric acid before it can harm the lining of the stomach. Thus, the continuous production of bicarbonate protects the stomach from self-destruction for the most part.
There are times, however, when something goes amiss and ulcers are created.
Bulimia and Stomach Ulcers
Bulimics may develop a condition known as peptic ulcers. This means that the duodenal lining eventually is dissolved away by the hydrochloric acid. A sufferer may or may not feel discomfort. If there is discomfort, it will present itself as chest and stomach pain. However, if there is blood in the stool or blood in the vomitus, medical attention should be sought.
Hydrochloric Acid and Dental Problems
Given the fact that this highly destructive substance can eat through wood (as aforementioned), imagine what it can do to the esophagus, the mouth and the teeth! Neither the throat, mouth or teeth benefits from a continuous production of the bicarbonate neutralizing substance as the stomach does. Thus, repeated vomiting, repeatedly coats these body parts with hydrochloric acid. Repeated regurgitation causes extensive damage as the hydrochloric acid eats through these body parts. They may or may not be able to be healed or remedied.
Dental erosion, or the dissolving of the enamel, the tooth's protective covering, is one of the consequences of the repeated regurgitation. Teeth may look translucent or clear. If there are fillings, the surface of the filling will eventually rise higher than the surface of the tooth it sits within.
Teeth may become sensitive, since the nerve will eventually become exposed. These consequences do not occur over night, but over time, especially if oral hygiene is poor.
Other consequences include:
- Swelling of the parotid gland;
- Due to the lack of hydration or loss of water there will be a sensation of dry mouth; and,
- Severe gum problems.
The Parotid Gland
The parotid gland is one of the salivary glands. This gland is located near the ears and may swell or enlarge due to repeated purging. The swelling may or may not decrease, though it is most uncommon for the enlargement not to decrease. The ability of the gland to heal is based upon the frequency and length of time purging has continued.
Esophagus Tearing
Due to the hydrochloric acid, repeated vomiting will cause the throat (esophagus) to become inflamed and painful. Again, due to the eating away of tissue, a tear, also known as the Mallory-Weiss Tear can occur. This occurrence frequently happens at the point of connection between the stomach and the esophagus. If vomiting blood, it is imperative to seek medical attention, since this malfunction could lead to death.
G.E.R.D. or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
The esophageal sphincter is a muscle which regulates the orifice between the stomach and the esophagus. When this muscle malfunctions, the acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus causing discomfort, inflammation and pain. This is a serious condition, which left unattended has been known to lead to cancer.
Related Articles:
Liver Failure and Eating Disorders
Dehydration and Eating Disorders
Osteoporosis Anorexia and Bulimia
Sources
Dentalgentlecare.com
Eatingdisordersonline.com
Pale-reflections.com
 |
 |
