Friday Fitness NOT SO Fun Fact

Like having teeth? I DID too!!

Last week, I called my dentist and complained that my teeth had become ultra-sensative to heat and cold. Since my x-rays 18 months earlier were perfect, he wasn't alarmed. He told me it was probably due to grinding and using listerine which has alcohol in it (taboo). I was told to use a non-alcohol mouthwash and to start using sensedine toothpaste. 

So yesterday, I go to my dentist for my 6-month cleaning and he did a full x-ray. Low and behold, he found 3 teeth which are beyond repair and have to be pulled. He was astounded at the amount of damage which had occurred since my last full x-ray. He knows I take great care of my teeth and he said the only other time he had seen this much damage happen so quickly was on a girl who was bulimic. Mmmmmmm? 

After being told it was going to cost me $10K for multiple bridges or $20K for implants, I got on the computer and started searching for dental problems and bariatric surgery. Not much out there on the web but I did find these articles.

In a 2007 study, M. ITZHAKI, H.D. SGAN-COHEN, and I. HELING, Hebrew University-Hadassah, School of Dentistry, Jerusalem, Israel reported that the medical literature has inadequately reported the potential deleterious effects on dental health of bariatric surgery. Acidic levels in the oral cavity, which are known to be one of the post-operative side effects of bariatric surgery, are directly related to dental caries [destruction] and erosion of teeth.


In an Aug. 2007 article, Lori Brogna, a dentist and former a gastric bypass surgery patient herself, described how she had developed a program titled, “Dental Aspects of Weight Loss Surgeries” (WLS). The program is designed to introduce the dental professional to the world of bariatric surgery. Patients must be educated on how this surgery will not only affect their overall health, but specifically their dental health. Dental professionals need to understand all of the intricacies of the procedure and its effect on the oral health of the patient.

Patients who undergo WLS have unique gastrointestinal systems that require special care. Hygienists and the rest of the dental team are in a position to recognize and help treat long-term nutritional deficiencies that often appear initially in the oral cavity. In addition, the dental team needs to be aware of any pharmacological concerns that may affect the newly reworked digestive system. 

Lori underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2004. In doing research on the topic, she began contacting patients who had undergone the surgery and asked if they had experienced any dental concerns following the surgery or any dental issues they thought might be connected to having WLS. The answer was a resounding, “Yes!” Lori also contacted many dentists and hygienists and, surprisingly, medical professionals who had little knowledge of the field of bariatric surgery or bariatric patient care.

If you enjoy having all your teeth, you know what to do.  By the way, I cross posted this to TunaTown as a community service.

Boner

Hey Boner.... I do not THINK I have a problem with the acid, but I have said for a year now that I have lost weight in my gums....my teeth are not loose, but I have to floss a lot more now... and my eyes were perfect before WLS...now I can't read small stuff.. or maybe i'm getting old

Ya, I ramped up my flossing as well but my dentist told me yesterday that my gums are as healthy as they've always been. Regarding both your and my deteriorating eyesight, I haven't been able to identify a link with WLS. I attribute it to old age as well.  Boner

I know I lost a lot of facial fat...I think it had to do with thte support of the eyeball

That is good to know as I too have experienced shrinking gums but no gum disease.  It is scary to me as I already had receeding gum lines and this isn't helping but my dentist says everything looks good.  I just make sure I take all of my recommended vitamins to include my calcium citrate and vitamin D together.  But thanks for the warning to watch out for with reduced intake; espcially now that I am trying to increase my running and have added golf as of late.  I am also trying to stick to the Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle smart eating program to shed more pound in search of reaching goal weight post-op that never happened.  I think my jogging and protein increase thwarted that as I got to 224 in route to 200 and then started gaining.  Leveled off at 238, which is a ton better than 408 and anywhere between then and now,..but not 200.  I would like to keep my teeth as I try to get leaner and faster.   

Dental complications following restrictive bariatric surgery

M. ITZHAKI, H.D. SGAN-COHEN, and I. HELING, Hebrew University-Hadassah, School of Dentistry, Jerusalem, Israel Background: The medical literature has inadequately reported the potential deleterious effects on dental health of bariatric surgery. Acidic levels in the oral cavity, which are known to be one of the post-operative side effects of bariatric surgery, are directly related to dental caries and erosion of teeth. Objectives: investigation of self-assessment of post operative bariatric patients regarding their dental health and associated variables. Methods: 113 patients (25% compliance), who had been operated on at three Jerusalem hospitals, responded to a mailed questionnaire. Results: Patients' average age was 40±10 years and the bariatric surgery had been performed 5±4 years ago. 37% reported eating sweeter foods, 20% reported improved oral hygiene and only 34% reported increased frequency of dental visits after the surgery. 37% reported more hyper-sensitivity of teeth after surgery. Significant associations were found between reported dental hyper-sensitivity and vomiting (p=0.013), dental hyper-sensitivity and indigestion (p=0.021). Patients from the different hospitals reported different patterns of visiting the dentist. The most common variable (80% of the subjects) associated with visiting the dentist after surgery was dental hyper-sensitivity. Conclusion: These results clearly demonstrate that the medical team needs to relate to potential dental problems after bariatric surgery, and to supply their patients with the appropriate information. Instruction regarding oral hygiene maintenance, healthy diet patterns and regular dental health monitoring by a dentist or dental hygienist are of paramount importance.

Oral Medicine & Pathology The Preliminary Program for The Annual Meeting of the Israeli Division of the IADR (May 11-12, 2006)

Hey Joe,  In retrospect, I but more importantly my dentist "now" recommends that WLS patients get their teeth examined and have a full set of x-rays done every 6 months following WLS. This should be done for at least the first 2 years following WLS. By the way, vitamin / nutrient deficiencies can often be detected early by an examination of the teeth and gums. Boner

Hmm I wonder if this goes for banders too ?  My teeth seem to be ok for now, other then in need of a really good cleaning . LOL   Thanks boner I do enjoy your posts .   Best wishes  Nick

Hey Nick, Don't know but wouldn't think so since your "plumbing" has remained the same. Are you getting ready for RAGBRAI? I wish I could go this year as it looks like a very scenic route through Iowa. Nothing like Moab for sure but still some beautiful countryside and the friendliest people in the world. GREAT week-long party for the cycling crowd I understand. Boner

Not sure if this is relevent or even good, but I floss and then hold Listerine in my mouth for the entire length of my shower at least a few times a week. But gums do seem to be receeding.

I have heard that gritting of teeth is common during exercise, but not sure if that's a factor.

Thanks,

Dave