Millennial Woman Left With Over $30K Dental Work After Eating Disorder

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
For more than a decade, Jess Adams fought a harrowing battle with an eating disorder that nearly claimed her life at just 28. After surviving a near-fatal heart attack, she committed to recovery. Though six years later she's now in a far stronger place, physically and mentally, she never imagined the lasting toll years of bulimia would take on her health.
Her illness has left her with irreparable dental damage—forcing her to spend thousands of dollars to restore her smile, a painful and permanent reminder of her eating disorder.
The 34-year-old actress and model who lives in Los Angeles, told Newsweek how purging behaviors destroyed her teeth over time.
"But hey...at least I was skinny right? WRONG." she wrote in the caption of a viral video, gathering 2.8 million views on Instagram (@thejessadams)
According to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, 9 percent of the U.S. population, which is about 30 million people will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. These complex, mental health conditions have among the highest mortality rates of any mental illness and often go unnoticed or underdiagnosed. More than 70 percent of those affected never receive the treatment they need.
Adam has lost some teeth and spent $9,000 on veneers for the front, but she can't afford to get a full set.
Adam has lost some teeth and spent $9,000 on veneers for the front, but she can't afford to get a full set.
Jess Adams
Adams told Newsweek: "Eating disorders are competitive and some people get triggered so I don't like to speak about specific behaviors or weights, I think it is harmful for people."
In the viral clip, she described how the disorder—marked by secretive overeating, self-induced vomiting, and obsession with weight—has damaged her digestion, relationships, opportunities, and teeth.
"The damage to my teeth is irreversible," she said. "It eroded enamel, made saliva acidic, and all of my teeth were pretty damaged. My bottom front ones are OK, but my job is on camera so they can affect my mental health. They are a constant reminder of what happened in my life."
She explained she lost a few teeth entirely and others became brittle and severely eroded.
"I didn't have a choice so I had to get veneers on the front of my teeth otherwise I'd have no teeth," she said. "My front teeth look nice but I was unable to afford the sides. I'm only missing three teeth, but it was $9,000 for the front of my teeth, including bringing the other ones to a better state."
Adams says her total dental care costs could eventually exceed $30,000 if she can ever afford to complete all of the work she needs.
An x-ray of Adams teeth. The bright white areas are dental materials.
An x-ray of Adams teeth. The bright white areas are dental materials.
Provided by Jess Adams
Bulimia and Oral Health
Newsweek spoke to Dr Fazeela Khan-Osborne, leader in the field of implant and restorative dentistry, explained: "Bulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening, eating disorder. It is characterized by acid attacks from vomiting on teeth in general."
Bulimia can have serious effects on oral health, including significant enamel erosion—especially on the back surfaces of teeth. This erosion can weaken teeth over time, increasing their vulnerability to cavities and discomfort.
The owner of One To One Dental Clinic in London, added: "If it is long-standing, it can lead to reduced salvia secretion and thus dry mouth. This also increases the risk of decay and you will get a higher chance of getting dental disease, a higher chance of staining, and the teeth become more fragile, brittle and sensitive.
"In turn, individuals become less confident which means they do not go to the dentist even though they are in pain. It becomes a cyclical problem.
"It is important to seek help if you are suffering from bulimia. If you are suffering from erosion, you can get veneers, a fluoride mouth rinse, or other things which can prevent and protect your teeth."
Khan-Osborne, who has over 30 years of experience, states veneers can be helpful; however, they cover only one side of the tooth surface. Erosion from bulimia often affects the backs of the teeth more than the fronts, since stomach acid typically contacts the inner surfaces first. As a result, crowns are often recommended because they provide coverage for both the front and back of the teeth.
There are many treatment options available. In cases of severe erosion and decay, crowns can help preserve teeth and maintain function for many years.
'I Almost Became a Statistic'
Two selfies of Adams in the dental chair.
Two selfies of Adams in the dental chair.
Jess Adams
Adams' eating disorder began in middle school when she hit puberty and became convinced her body was wrong.
"My relationship with food has never been normal. It started in middle school. I hit puberty hard and felt like my body wasn't right. I never felt comfortable in my own skin," she said.
She emphasized that eating disorders are not just about wanting to be thin.
"It isn't just about being skinny. It is how you deal with emotions, control, speaking up—a lot of it is very emotional. It just kind of comes out like that."
The turning point came 5.5 years ago when she was hospitalized on New Year's Day after nearly dying.
"I almost died because of my heart," she told Newsweek, adding. "I almost became a statistic."
According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, eating disorders directly cause an estimated 10,200 deaths each year—that's roughly one death every 52 minutes.
Casting her mind back to the day she will never forget, she said: "I got out of the bath, my chest started squeezing and I had shooting pains in my left arm. I was scared in case I was having a heart attack and dying.
"My potassium was at 1.4 which is a walking heart attack. I was on death's door and I didn't even notice. It was a miracle that I survived."
Cleveland Clinic, an American nonprofit academic medical center states the normal potassium ranges from 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.2 mmol/L) for adults. Levels below 3 mEq/L (3 mmol/L) are considered severe. Hypokalemia means low blood potassium levels.
It can disrupt the activity of your heart and lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Severe cases increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias that can be life-threatening.
During her hospital stay in 2020, Adams says she had a moment of clarity that pushed her to change.
"I remember the exact thought I had. I was disappointed in myself, in what I had done with my life and how I felt about myself. I was so sad for myself when I thought it was the end of my life.
"I was heartbroken and told myself if I have another chance then I would do something different."
A Long Road to Recovery
Recent photos of the former model wearing a white two-piece and a selfie taken in the car.
Recent photos of the former model wearing a white two-piece and a selfie taken in the car.
Jess Adams
Adams said her eating disorder affected every area of her life—from self-esteem and relationships to her career.
"It took me years to speak about it," she said. "I have now realized there's a beautiful thing that came out of what I went through. If I can help one person not feel alone or seek help, not suffer, then I'm happy to share my story."
She is now selective about the work she takes on focusing on hair, skincare, and beauty jobs instead of fashion modeling.
"I refuse to take jobs that will make me feel bad about myself," she said.
Adams has also become an advocate for speaking honestly about recovery and fighting back against pro-skinny content online.
"Even my worst day today is better than my best day in my eating disorder," she said. "If that had been my last day five years ago, so many wonderful things wouldn't have happened and that is what keeps me going."