Question:
What about your teeth?
I have decided to have an open RNY, probably later this month. There is one question I have that I havent seen adressed here. What about your teeth? Are any of you having any issues since you had your surgery? Are there any measures I can take to prevent problems? — Monica H. (posted on October 17, 2001)
October 17, 2001
No probs with teeth. I'd be more concerned about hair loss. Although I
haven't had any of that either at 4 months. Good luck and God bless!
— Kimberly L.
October 17, 2001
— elifritz
October 17, 2001
Good question!!! When I got out of the hospital I noticed an awful
sensitivity problem. I knew I had some old fillings that needed replaced
and thought somehow they were knocked loose during surgery. They weren't.
And it turned out that I had switched to a different toothpaste and that
had actually made my gums very sensitive. But, on the other hand, I haven't
seen anything on it either. A good reason to remember to take your calcium
tablets - infact, I would start while I was pre-op. Girl, you got me to
thinking. I don't have anything but my smile - I can't loose that! Good
luck on your up coming surgery.:)
— K T.
October 17, 2001
Hello, good question. I just had surgery Oct. 4th and so far things with
my teeth are fine. My doctor said I shouldn't have any problems with
teeth. Thanks.
— yodie123
October 17, 2001
I had an open rny and my surgeon never mentioned anything about
dental problems. It's never come up in any of my support group
discussions. I was told to to take two Tums twice a day for the
calcium. I know that's for the bones...but....it would be good for
teeth too.
— [Anonymous]
October 17, 2001
If you have ANY malabsorption (as you will, after an RNY), Tums or any
other source of calcium carbonate are USELESS. The only form of calcium
absorbed correctly by the body after these procedures is calcium CITRATE.
It's easy to get at drugstores now. I take 1000mg a day. So far, no teeth
problems, but it's only been a month. :-)
— Julia M.
October 17, 2001
One thing that post ops do need to worry about is starting a post meal
dental routine if you don't already. "Normal" folks drink
liquids with their meals and immediately after. Those liquids help wash
away small food debris, cleaning the mouth and let most of us get by
without having to brush after meals (even though Mama said we HAVE to).
Well, since post op we are NOT drinking with meals, and NOT drinking until
at least 30 minutes (or longer) after meals, you increase your risk of
tooth decay. So, for us, Mama was right.. we need to brush after we eat.
— BethVBG
October 17, 2001
Hello Monica: I am a Registered Dental Hygienist and will try to answer
your question. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene standards as
a post-op. Initailly some have problems with throwing up...more so with
the VBG than the RNY. Brushing throughout the day is important to not only
remove food debris but also to remove the acidic level in your mouth. Ater
eating any milk or friut products it is important to brush. Lactose and
Fructose are naturally occuring sugars which still increase the acidic
levels in our mouths. Too much acid=breakdown of the enamel causing
cavities. Since we avoid table sugar we don't have to worry about that.
Also eating any type of carbohydrates converts to sugar in the mouth
causing an acidic environment as well. The key is to brush after every
meal/snack. If you don't have access to your toothbrush, at least try to
rinse your mouth out with water and chew sugarless gum to aid in removal of
residual food debris. Another good homecare remedy is to rinse once per
day with an over the counter Fluoride rinse (ACT by Johnson& Johnson).
And of course don't forget to floss once per day!
Hope this helps.....~~~CIAO :)~~~~
— perezrdh
Click Here to Return