A question about dental issues following GS

I am over 10 years post op. My teeth were bad before RNY. I lost some of them when I was much younger. They did not get worse. They pretty much stay the same. I don't think I lost one tooth since RNY. Plus my bone density is still ok, specially at my age.

I used to have super dense bones. They got less dense because I no longer carry around the 100 lbs. My sister never had WLS and her teeth are not very good.

What determine and help bone/teeth help IMO?

• Genetics
• Proper diet
• Supplementation of proper mineral and vitamins
• Weight bearing exercise for our bones.

The last 2 needs to be really observe. We need to make sure our vit D, calcium, magnesium, vit K2, plus other micro elements like boron, stronium etc are provided. Not once in a while, but everyday. Many people concentrate on calcium and vitamin D, nit knowing or forgetting that we are more complex than that. We need D to absorb calcium, then we need K2 plus other minerals to tell out body where to put them and to make strong matrix.

Lets add weight bearing exercise - we need that to maintain our bone mass. If anyone doubt that - read about astronauts that lose significant amount of bone mass when in space because of lack of gravity= lack of weight in space. There are studies that are going on to see what they need to do to prevent bone loss in them. And I am pretty sure they have the best medical advice and supplements given. But without weight bearing stress on the bones - they may start losing bone mass.

As in " You don't use it - you lose it".

Thank you!

I was really freaked out about dental issues as well - but from what I can determine based solely on what I read here and elsewhere about people's experiences, it happens - but it's not common.

I talked to my dentist about this before I had surgery, and he said he's never seen those kinds of issues with his WLS patients. Now granted, I have no idea how many WLS patients he has - it could be only 10 for all I know - but, he's never seen it. He said if people are having these kinds of issues, it could be that they're not keeping up with their supplements, but more likely, it's acid. It could be these people are vomiting a lot, or they could have uncontrolled GERD or silent GERD - or just more than the normal amount of acid in their saliva.

He said to keep up with my regular checkups, and be religious about brushing and flossing. Also, he gave me a prescription for some super high fluoride toothpaste that I use before bed, and he also does a fluoride varnish on my teeth every six months. He said those two things will go a very long way toward preventing any problems.

So - talk to your dentist. And also, relax a bit in knowing that although it exists, it's really not a common problem. You'll rarely see anyone post about it here, for example...

Thanks for the helpful reply!

I'm "only" 2 years post-op. I have not had any increased dental issues. I've had dental issues most of my life though. I do regular cleanings/exams every 6 months. My dentist did mention the possibility of concern post WLS. He said there can be issues but he really didn't have any explanation as to why. He suggested I use a flouride mouth rinse before bed.

Thank you!

My thoughts run to risk/benefit. Even if prevention doesn't help or if you win the lottery - are you really better off with tons of extra weight and those certain mortality risks or some dental work or even osteoporosis? The mutilation aspect is for you and your support system to discuss. Personally, I feel freed and not mutilated. Good luck.

The risk/benefit toss up is what I'm going through now. I currently have medical issues that I'd really like to get rid of (diabetes, HBP, HC, sleep apnea, etc.). But in getting rid of those, I don't want to take on others that could end up being just as severe. The people complaining of dental problems aren't complaining about a few extra cavities. They're complaining about loss of bone in their jaw leading to their teeth dropping out, facial disfigurement as a result, or dental decay so rapid and so bad that they suffer repeated infection and abscesses endangering their heart. THAT'S what I'm afraid of.

I'm almost two years out and have been fairly active here for that time, plus I go to support group every month. I've never heard of this big of a dental issue (not that it isn't there), but it cannot be that pervasive in the WLS population. The doctor in my head is going off saying - don't pay attention to the fringe. Even some life changing medications have terrible risks. You can't live life with zero risk and personally the downside of not doing the surgery for me was worse. I'd be dead by now or a minimum living in a bed (using a bed pan) with people holding up my fat to put medication under my infected skin folds twice daily. I hope you find what you are looking for here.

I am 8 years post op. I have had no problems with my teeth.

I personally was more afraid of the complications of morbid obesity than I was about my teeth. What good are my teeth if I am dead 10 years sooner than I should be because of the complications of morbid obesity.

Morbid obesity is a killer. Bone loss and loss of teeth is not a killer. And it is actually really not a problem if one take their bit/ mineral supplements seriously.

I personally couldn't wait to get on the table. My type 2 diBetes went into remission the evening of the morning I had surgery and has stayed there for 8 years. I lost 122# and have maintained the loss for these 8 years. Best decision I have EVER made for myself.