Memory
what happens when you eat toothpaste
Hello, I found myself eating toothpaste quite often. I feel it's a bit odd and wanted to know why I might be doing this.
Hello! It's important to understand that this isn't a very common or safe behavior, eating toothpaste can be harmful for your health because it contains fluoride which is not meant to be ingested in large amounts. However, psychological causes for such behavior can vary, it could be due to stress, anxiety, or even be a sign of Pica, a psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutritive. Do you notice if it occurs more frequently in certain situations or under specific conditions?
Now that you mention it, I think it happens more when I'm stressed or anxious.
Stress and anxiety can lead to unusual behaviors as a coping mechanism. While it's not uncommon to have some form of stress eating, your choice of eating toothpaste indicates that it's more of a compulsive behavior which needs attention. I would recommend seeking help from a mental health professional to learn healthier coping strategies and address the root cause of your anxiety.
Thanks for your advice, I will seek professional help. But, what might be the physical effects of this habit?
Continued ingestion of fluoride from toothpaste can lead to several health problems such as dental fluorosis, a condition that changes the appearance of your tooth enamel, making it lumpy and discolored. It can also lead to stomach discomforts, and in very high amounts, it can even cause more serious conditions like bone problems or damage to the nervous system. It's important to understand these risks and work on addressing this behavior.
Remember: Everything Talkie says is made up!