Gastric Sleeve - Dental Health Concerns

[Chrissy0629 2]

I'm scheduled to have gastric sleeve 8/10. I was initially gung ho, but now I'm having concerns. I've read SEVERAL instances of GS/GB patients having complications - including a significant deterioration of their dental health. Apparently, it is primarily due to a change in the level of acid the new stomach creates, a change in the pH balance in the mouth, the need to constantly and thoroughly brush your teeth after each snack/meal, problems with vitamin/nutrient absorption, etc.

I spoke with a bariatric surgeon (not mine) and a top periodontist in my area. Both stated this is indeed an issue.

This has thrown a serious monkey wrench in my plans. Is there anyone who is 4+ POST SURGERY and having dental issues, or if you're 4+ YEARS POST SURGERY who is not having any issues?

Has anyone else heard this?

[Airstream88 361]

There have been other discussions about dental issues and Calcium deficiencies here in the past. I look at it this way - as long as I see my dentist 2x a year, floss and brush, take my Vitamins and calcium religiously then I'm fairly certain I can handle any dental issues that come my way. I had this surgery because I had high blood pressure, was borderline diabetic, and knee problems so severe I was facing two knee replacement surgeries. All of those issues have been alleviated by the weight loss afforded to me by my RNY surgery. If I have a few dental issues I'm pretty sure taking care of them will be easier and much cheaper than the cost of my prior health issues.

My dentist is aware that I had the surgery and has not voiced any concerns. He is a Clinical Instructor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.

[crocodoxie 223]

I've NOT had my surgery yet. I'm due in two weeks. I did see my dentist recently and asked of any concerns. He didn't know of any reason to avoid the surgery. Take my Calcium so it's not leached from my bones and teeth...and keep up with preventative appts is my plan.

Maybe others will also chime in, but also, everybody's hygiene habits are different...some floss, some don't, some waterpik, some don't, some use elect toothbrushes, some don't, etc...so it would be hard to account for other aspects.

For me to knock out diabetes....I'm all in. Good luck in your decisions.

[Chrissy0629 2]

I'd love to hear from patients who are 4+ years out, as that is when issues are said to become more prevalent. As I understand it, it has less to do with oral hygiene and more to do with chemical changes, the level of acid produced by your stomach, pH balance in your mouth, and the need to thoroughly brush teeth whenever you put anything in your mouth - whether it's a meal or a piece of gum.

I'm by no means trying to deter anyone, I was just shocked and concerned by how prevalent concerns with dental health are following gastric surgery, and from very reputable and widespread sources. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but it's not something I'd expect the surgeon to be completely forthright about... If I had any of comorbidities, I would completely understand that it's a trade off. However, I don't, so it's a tougher decision.

Again, I'd LOVE some candid feedback from those who are 4-10 years out.

[Chrissy0629 2]

I'd love to hear from patients who are 4+ years out, as that is when issues are said to become more prevalent. As I understand it, it has less to do with oral hygiene and more to do with chemical changes, the level of acid produced by your stomach, pH balance in your mouth, and the need to thoroughly brush teeth whenever you put anything in your mouth - whether it's a meal or a piece of gum.

I'm by no means trying to deter anyone, I was just shocked and concerned by how prevalent concerns with dental health are following gastric surgery, and from very reputable and widespread sources. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but it's not something I'd expect the surgeon to be completely forthright about... If I had any of comorbidities, I would completely understand that it's a trade off. However, I don't, so it's a tougher decision.

Again, I'd LOVE some candid feedback from those who are 4-10 years out.

[Airstream88 361]

Just wanted to add that I talked to a friend who is a Dentist. He said Calcium is locked into your teeth from the time they are formed and is not affected by diet. He did say that having acid reflux or GERD while sleeping can cause enamel erosion.

[smilinred 4]

Hi Chrissy , I am 12 years out. And as for acid being worse after surgery, no it's not. I had RNY and my stomach pouch doesn't make any acid ( don't know about the sleeve) . The lower part of my stomach that is still inside makes the acid ( where all stomach acid is always made) and it goes directly into the intestines. I used to have bad indigestion prior to surgery and on the day of surgery I was about to die waiting for surgery on an empty stomach , the acid so so bad I almost backed out because I wanted to eat something to end the acid. They gave me some horrible medicine to help with it but it still was horrible until I was knocked out. When I woke up the indigestion was gone and replace with nausea from the anesthetic but once that wore off , it was great. As for my teeth, I have always had bad teeth and have a full mouth of crowns . Nothing has changed or gotten worse after surgery.

[Aliya78 29]

Went for my annual check up and clean with dentist. Had VSG in June. My dentist was asking me what was going on as a couple of my teeth showed deterioration. She's recommended a Calcium treatment that I'm to put on at night before I sleep.

[MarinaGirl 609]

For many patients, Gastric Bypass resolves GERD/acid reflux, whereas VSG may make it worse or cause it to develop post-op. It would be interesting to find out which type of WLS results in the most dental issues.

I get my teeth cleaned 3-4 times a year and I also floss 1-2 times a day. My dentist knows I had bariatric surgery so he’s keeping a close eye on any new areas of dental caries (aka cavities), and so far everything is fine. I had a prior history of GERD but it’s gone away since GB and I’m also off all acid-reducing meds. I’m hopeful this improvement will minimize my risks for dental issues going forward.