The Academy for Eating Disorders observes that adolescence is a time when self-esteem is vulnerable. Since onset of anorexia primarily occurs during the teen years, it is not surprising that sufferers have low self-esteem. The anorexic cannot feel good about herself because she's never thin enough to satisfy her standard of perfection. These are used to hide wasting, and to keep warm. Tooth and gum decay.
Some sufferers grind their teeth in their sleep.
My mother, who lost her battle with restricting-type anorexia, had her dentist make her a special plate to prevent this behavior. Still, she had lost half her teeth by the time she died at age 49. Over time, these symptoms lead to real damage. In order to protect itself, the body begins to shut down. According to ANAD, the most common cause of death in late-stage anorexics is low potassium, which can cause an irregular heartbeat.