Dental problems

[Amarie1621 2]

So I haven't had surgery yet I got 4 weeks to go but the more I been reading iv seen people say hope you have good dental insurance cuz u have alot problems with your teeth after woundering how true this is ??

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Huh? Haven't heard that. And I spend WAY too much time on WLS forums.

Maybe you're hanging with people who have terrible dental hygiene?

No problems here with my teeth. And I'm nearly 18 months post-op, have lost all my excess weight, and maintaining at or below goal for the last 9 months.

[judy1234 27]

So I haven't had surgery yet I got 4 weeks to go but the more I been reading iv seen people say hope you have good dental insurance cuz u have alot problems with your teeth after woundering how true this is ??

I'm really worried about this too. I have my bypass scheduled for 2/29. Apparently the dental problems start about 3 years out. I don't think it happens to everyone, and my surgeon's office never mentioned it. The scariest thing is that dentists don't seem to know what to do about it. The theory is that somehow removal of most of your stomach causes chemical changes in your saliva that weaken teeth. I have read of people who say their teeth just snap off and they end up with dentures at a young age. I haven't been able to find out the percentage of people it happens to. I plan on asking a lot of questions at my surgeon appointment this Friday.

[libby43 136]

I was told could be do to acid from the small tummy.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

If surgeons aren't mentioning this supposed WLS dental calamity, what's the reliable source for this news?

P.S. Also, are the people you're aware of with dental problems those who've had gastric bypasses, sleeves, or lapbands? (In other words, which surgeries?)

P.P.S. Just googled weight loss surgery and dental problems and did find some message board threads about people who've had gastric surgery a long time ago who are having lots of dental problems. But all the threads were old (from the late 1990s and early 2000s). Not sure what the current concerns (if any) might be.

[libby43 136]

I was told could be do to acid from the small tummy.

[Amarie1621 2]

Thanks guys helps me a little I'm not sure we're I seen but I'm on few sites on Facebook n seen few ppl mention it but dunno if was gastric or sleeve n my surgeon office never mentioned that but I'd think if u had Gerd esp afta sleeve that I'm gettin I would think it could mess with ur teeth tho but I'm just hope for best n pray it dnt I'm young n already stressing over excess skin I can't afford Tummy Tuck n being bald cuz Hair loss lol

[libby43 136]

Welcome , my dentist told me to come in twice a year for a cleaning , so he could keep a eye on my teeth. Don't want to lose my pearly white teeth. There are thing a few things your dentist can do if caught early enough. Good luck...

[TipTop in TX 81]

Found this information about dental problems. Seems to be more of an issue with bypass & RnY

http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/2013/01_January/Features/Treating_Patients_After_Weight_Loss_Surgery.aspx

This one is from 2009 and may be the basis for the first article.

http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-77572009000700002

[theladyslipper 120]

Whaaaaaa?????

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Just another reason to eat enough Protein and keep up with your Vitamins and supplements.< /p>

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

Take your Calcium supplements as instructed: they are very important and get a fluoride "varnish" every time you get your teeth cleaned at least every six months, and you should be good.

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

@annmarie1621 also you can try doing what I did which was amp up all Vitamins for the two months before surgery. I recommend to start taking bariatric or some serious prenatal vitamins and 500-1000mg of Calcium and 1,000 mg a day of Vitamin D (at a different time of day from your multi or iron). This should store up your reserves in case you aren't able to get all your vitamins in the first few weeks that your stomach is healing.

[con con 142]

There are several posts usually effecting patients 5 years out. Stated you should get teeth cleaned every 3 months and take Calcium.< /p>

[japeters 44]

Calcium and Vitamins are the key to maintain good dental health, and that is with or with out weight loss surgery. I say this with confidence because I have been fighting a life long battle of dental issues. I was sleeved on 2/26 and noticed that until I reached the solid food stage, my gums were bleeding quite a bit but they are fine now. I take my calcium religiously and plan to meet with my dentist to discuss my new nutrition regiment and how to be sure it doesn't impact my teeth. There are certain Vitamin deficiencies that impact dental health so if you feel you are having issues, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon or our dentist.