Lapband causing Teeth and Gum problems?

[kookaburra 0]

Has anyone heard of the lapband causing teeth and gum problems? A friend told me that it causes the stomach to create more acid and this comes up more into the mouth because of the band, anyone heard of this?

[Jachut 487]

Doubt it. I dont have any more acid that I can perceive and I definitely dont have it coming up into my mouth.

Perhaps if you were having reflux problems, a too tight band etc and you did vomit a lot and have acid coming up, but this is NOT normal.

[kookaburra 0]

Thanks for your reply Jacqui. I think the person my friend knew may have been bulimic before she had the band which would explain the teeth problems. I definitely don't want to risk my tooth and gum health because it's already not great but if I had to choose between lapbanding and my teeth, I'd get false teeth and the lapbanding.

[shmack 0]

I had really really bad reflux and acid before my band... have had it for years... from the minute I got my band, I've never had acid again.....

If the band is too tight acid can come back up, but usually the band stops it altogether.

[TrishC 0]

Hi There

I have had really bad relux prior to Christmas, and was vomitign way too much...this has given me pretty bad teeth.... I am constantly brushing them but they arent too great...Need alot of work

Prior to Christmas my reflux was that bad that I was vomiting constantly and ended up wuite dehydrated... I ended up in hospital getting all of my fill taken out and have had to start from the begining again

All I can say is make sure your looking after your teeth and if you have any sort of reflux consult your doctor about it, I wouldnt wish what I went through to my worst enemy.

At the moment all is great though and the weight is starting to come back off

Big Hi Fives to everyone

Trish xx

[Humming Bird 275]

I had acid reflux problems that were caused by a hyatial hernia. The hernia was repaired during the lapband surgery and the reflux problem was solved.

I work in the dental field and have seen many people with damaged teeth caused by acid reflux and vomiting. The damage can be pretty severe before the patient even realizes what is happening.

It will be different for every patient depending on many factors like how strong your enamel is in the first place, how long plaque sits on the teeth, and how much acid exposure there is.

For example, a patient with bulimia will get many cavities and have very inflamed gums caused by the constant exposure to stomach acid.

The best way to prevent this is to stop the acid exposure. If that is not possible, or the damage is already happening, extra fluoride may help some. I'm talking about more fluoride than is in your normal toothpaste. Fluoride rinses can be found over the counter or you can get a Rx for paste or rinse. Topical fluoride (paste/rinses) help keep the enamel strong from the outside.

After throwing up you should rinse with baking soda and Water to help neutralize the acid. It will not prevent all the damage because once the acid contacts the teeth, a 20 minute acid attack begins, but at least it will help neutralize the acid and decrease the changes of more severe damage.

Everyone should go to the dental office every 6 months.

Edited January 24, 2010 by Humming Bird

[Humming Bird 275]

I'm not in Australia, but wanted to offer help :cursing:

[kookaburra 0]

Hi Trish, thankyou so much for sharing your experience. I hope you are okay now, what you went through sounds awful. I know just from morning sickness; constant vomiting is not only bad phyically, it really gets your mood down too.

Hummingbird, I love your tips and I'm going to follow them. Thank you so much, dental suggestions are very welcome and much appreciated here!!!!

[TrishC 0]

Hi

Thansk for your help,. I will make sure I get some of the wash, sounds like a good idea

Im sailing along at the momen yipeeeeeee

Hope everyone is doing well

Cheers Trish