Brittle Teeth anyone????

I know I have posted on here alot with my questions and I really do appreciate all of your help. I was just wondering, I am almost 6 weeks post op, and last night my 2nd tooth since surgery broke. I am wondering if it is normal for your teeth and stuff to become more brittle after surgery? or is it a sign of not enough calcium. I am also wondering, I have had trouble keeping some foods down so unfortunately that means that I throw up frequently, and I am wondering if that has anything to do with it too. ANY SUGGESTIONS????

I HAVENT NOTICED THAT.. I DO DRINK MILK THOUGH I AM LUCKY NOTTO BE ONE OF THE LACTOSE INTOLERANT.. THANK GOD CAUSE I LOVE ME A GLASS OF MILK. AS FAR AS YOU THROWING UP CHECK IT OUT CAUSEIT MIGHT BE A STRICTURE. I HAVE THROWN UP 2 TIMES BUT THAT IS FROM OVER EATING. DO YOU FEEL IT ALL THE TIME? OR WHEN YOU EAT CERTAIN THINGS? IF IT IS ALL THE TIME YOU MIGHT HAVE A STRICTURE AND ITS EASY TO FIX . MY ADVICE CALLYOUR DOC... JENNIFER

Hi Anita, It sounds like you're not chewing enough. I was barfing almost daily until a week ago when I tried some ground turkey with taco seasoning. I chewed even more than usual, it was literally liquid. And it stayed down - lettuce and all. I didn't have brittle teeth but I did start having leg cramps which is also a symptom of low calcium. I'm using liquid calcium now (cause the gum is absolutely awful and the pills are huge). Two huge tablespoons swallowed fast so I don't have to taste it seems to do the trick. Chew everything at least twice as long as you usually do. Focus on chewing, force yourself to do it. It's really hard when you're hungry, but you'll get the hunger pains gone after a few swallows.

lack of potassium can also cause leg cramps. so if they havent gone away, try that.

Ya'll need to be really careful when recommending people take OTC potassium. The cramps went away when I started the calcium. Ask the pharmacist about potassium supplements - a lot of folks here have heart situations.

My teeth aren't brittle, but they have had a film on them since right after surgery. No matter how many times I brush, they don't feel clean. I almost can't wait to go have them cleaned!

Brittle teeth can be a sign that you're not getting enough protein, too. Make sure you're getting enough of that and calcium.

You brought up a good question. You and I are not very far out from surgery to be having problems with teeth breaking due to surgery, it seems unlikely this early out. I have a couple of teeth that have cracked. When I had my checkup with the dentist, he asked me if I was having any jaw pain or if I was possibly grinding my teeth at night. Yes, to both. If or when I have a stressful event in my life, I tend to clench or grind my teeth while sleeping. So my dentist told me to get a nightguard to prevent any further damage. The teeth that cracked were caught early enough to be crowned, before they had a chance to break off. Your teeth that are breaking could just be something that was going to happen, and totally unrelated to surgery. As far as the frequent its very important at the stage we are in to make sure that we keep our teeth clean when we do throw-up. The acid will eat the enamel off teeth over a period of time and cause cavaties. I bought a sonic care toothbrush and a water pic, to prevent any problems that may arise. I would like to know if there are any long term WLS patients that are having problems with their teeth, that could possibly be related to nutritional deficiencies cause by WLS. I have been searching online and have not had much luck finding anything. Congrats on the weightloss! TLS

It is probably a protien problem...you should discuss this with your doctor if you havent already.

When you vomit sometimes there is an acid that comes up from your belly I wonder if that has anything to do with it just a thoght. Anyway Good Luck!