WLS and Oral Hygeine.

Okay- have any post ops experienced a problem with periodontal issues post op? I have ALWAYS had great gums and teeth- even missing a cleaning here and there with no issues- now I go a little overdue- (I put off my 6 months cleaning for an extra 2 months becasue of surgery) and BAM!! I get the " speech" I have the early stages of gum disease (dramatic music plays in the background) Iwas given pamphlets (OH NO THIS IS SERIOUS_ I HAVE READING MATERIAL WITH LITTLE CARTOON TEETH>>>>)and a special tooth brush and told to floss daily (not something I am good at) I have to wonder- does ketosis and the increased acidity of my oral environment form ketosis cause a greater problem? Anybody else notice a change in their gums?

Joanne had troubles since surgery. When she finally talked to an Oral Surgeon and had some confirming blood work, her B6 and B Complex vitamins levels were low. In less than 4 weeks, everything was fine. Peter

First - I love your humor!!! Little cartoon teeth - LOL! Anyways - interesting connection you've made there and it has never occured to me to connect these things. However, just this past checkup they told me I am losing bone under my gums and had to give me an antibiotic under the gums - (read ugh...and $$$). I too have never had a problem with teeth or gums outside of the norm, but now they're giving me those little lectures too! I'll have to research the possible connection to a prolonged ketosis state and see if anyone's done any research on it. Good luck - and floss floss floss!!! Hugs, Carla OH Support Group Leader

WoW! that is exactly what just happened to me! Next week I am going for my 2nd appointment to scrape my gums on the right side. Really looking forward to it since the left side last week was such a pleasant experience. It was a little scary, like you said, when I got pamphlets. eek! I have been a very good girl by flossing every day and antiseptic rinse twice a day. I am going to have to ask Dr. A. about my B levels when I see him next time. The dentist felt that it was related to my sudden change in diet. Maybe he is right. terri

Okay thanks for making my gums hurt- SCRAPING huh???? eeek Terri that doesn't sound good- yes ask Dr Aranow about this I see him the end of April and I must remember to ask if its something he's heard before. Meanwhile do you use Listerine? Can you do 30 seconds? I can't it BURNS!!! And it's the mild and pleasant Citrus flavor.... Yeah whenever a medical professional hands you a pamphlet- it's not good...

Sorry for the graphics M, it really isn't too bad as long as the novacaine works. Dr Dentist gave me a prescription anticeptic by Colgate. Bleccchhhhh! If you think Listerine is bad, have a swig of this stuff. I can't wait til I can have some wimpy Listerine after this bottle is gone. LOL... Anyway, you will see Dr. A before me, I'll be interested to know what he says about this after your visit. good luck terri

Yeah Carla, I can't help but put two and two together- it's just too coincidental (eeek there's that word DENTAL again!!!!) to not think they are related. I really procrastinate and have a hard time getting my vitamins and calcium in every day- I am a BAD BAD girl. Of course my non compliance does not help- while I was flipping through your website- (very nice by the way) I read in one section there - that cravings can be related to deficiences- which probably accounts for my recent desire to snack on inappropriate things like carbs....bad bad WLS patient!!! I am tired 24/7 and have no energy to do the things I need to do- ie exercise!!! I get blood work in less than amonth I am sure it will be crappy and I will get a lecture form Dr A. Guess the first step is getting the vitamins and calcium in every day and see how I feel- and of course...FLOSS!!!LOL!!!