Which statement best describes the effect of bulimia on dental enamel?

Which statement best describes the effect of bulimia on dental enamel?

• A. Stomach acid in the mouth from vomiting is corrosive and wears away enamel
• B. It erodes only dentin, not enamel
• C. It strengthens the enamel through mineral deposition
• D. It has no effect on the enamel

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the stomach’s acidic juice in bulimia can erode enamel. Vomiting exposes teeth to highly acidic gastric contents with a very low pH, which dissolves the minerals (hydroxyapatite) in the enamel and softens or wears away the surface over time. Enamel is the tough outer layer, so chemical erosion from this acid is the primary damage, especially on the front teeth where the acid contact is direct. Saliva and fluoride can help remineralize, but frequent acid exposure keeps reversing or preventing repair. Dentin isn’t the initial target—enamel is; dentin exposure happens after enamel is compromised. The idea that enamel is strengthened by mineral deposition or that there’s no effect doesn’t fit with how acid erodes enamel.

The main idea is that the stomach’s acidic juice in bulimia can erode enamel. Vomiting exposes teeth to highly acidic gastric contents with a very low pH, which dissolves the minerals (hydroxyapatite) in the enamel and softens or wears away the surface over time. Enamel is the tough outer layer, so chemical erosion from this acid is the primary damage, especially on the front teeth where the acid contact is direct. Saliva and fluoride can help remineralize, but frequent acid exposure keeps reversing or preventing repair. Dentin isn’t the initial target—enamel is; dentin exposure happens after enamel is compromised. The idea that enamel is strengthened by mineral deposition or that there’s no effect doesn’t fit with how acid erodes enamel.