Teeth issues

Hey guys! I am a little over three months out, and went for my teeth cleaning yesterday. Much to my dismay, I have two cavities. Since I have had zero dental issues as an adult, it makes me wonder if it could be a post RNY issue. Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions on what to do to keep my teeth healthy? I am taking all of my vitamins, eating tons of protein and hardly any sugar. 

I hope that it's just a coincidence.  I too fear the stories I have read about dental issues......I love my teeth and want them to stay !!

Just wondering if you have an acid or Gerd issues?   I know that can contribute.

No acid or gets issues at all.

It hasn't been any where nearly long enough since your surgery for it to be related. Cavities don't appear overnight. And those with teeth issues after WLS get that way from many years of noncompliance with vitamins and calcium.

Thanks Grim! That's actually what I was thinking too, but it's just an odd coincidence.

Interesting post.  I just had my first dental appointment post RNY and after reviewing my updated medical information my dentist had a talk with me saying that he has seen an increase in cavities in post WLS patients.  He said there are studies going on but there really isn't a definite answer as to why.  He suggested that I be extra vigilant with oral care - brushing and flossing twice a day.  He also suggested using a mouthwash with flouride just before bed.  He also suggested avoiding gum, mint, hard candy and sugar which I do anyhow.

I am almost 4 months out from RNY. I also had a cavity at my check up last month. The first cavity I have had since I was a child. It does make me a little nervous.

Sorry to hear about your cavities, I am just shy of 3 years out and have no cavities.  When I go to the Dentist the Hygienist is always complimenting me on how great my teeth are. I am very particular about flossing and brushing twice daily. 

Pretty sure WLS has nothing to do with getting cavities, if anything we eat SO MUCH BETTER now post surgery than pre surgery.  I think it just happens to coincide that you got the cavities post surgery, they were going to happen regardless.

Keep doing what you are doing, all your vitamins, drink lots of water and eat your protein.  

I have not had any issues from cavities. I do find I have dry mouth from some of my meds. This can create more problems that WLS.

I've talked to my dentist about this (both before and after surgery) because i was really worried about this.  He said teeth problems are often due to excess acid in the saliva but could be due to not keeping on top of supplements, too.  He added that he hasn't seen this problem with his other WLS patients, so I'm guessing although it happens, it's probably not all that common.

He said in addition to keeping on top of my supplements, that I use a prescription high fluoride toothpaste at night before going to bed (obviously, he gave me a prescription for it).  He's also now doing a "fluoride varnish" on my teeth every six months.  He said those two things will go a long way in preventing decay if I'm one of those unfortunate ones who has a lot of acid in their saliva.

I asked him about xylitol, as I read xylitol (often in sugar free gum, breath mints, and mouth wash) will also cut the acid in your mouth.  He said there is some evidence that that does help, but the high fluoride toothpaste and the fluoride varnish are much more effective.  

my cousin is a dental hygienist and I've also talked with her about this.  She definitely said excess acid can do it and said that there's such a thing as silent reflux, where the person isn't aware they have acid reflux, but the acid gets in your mouth nonetheless.  She agreed that the prescription fluoride toothpaste and varnish were going to be my best bet at prevention.  So talk to your dentist.   Also, if he/she is aware of your surgery (and concern), they'll probably monitor your x-rays closer, too, to spot any decay early (I always remind mine to do that - to compare them with the previous set of x-rays)