Question:
Is it true that some post -ops have trouble with their teeth?

I'd like to hear from some post-ops that have had problems with their teeth due to the surgery. I am currently pre-op and have heard from some post-ops that they had problems with staining and/or their teeth getting weaker? Is this true? Not sure if I got the facts right. If so, what causes this and how can I prevent this from happening to me?    — Allison T. (posted on December 29, 2001)

December 29, 2001
I talked to my dentist about my coming up surgery and asked him if there was anything I needed to do differently to protect my teeth. He told me to brush and floss normally and It would have no affect at all on my teeth. He then said to me, "trust me, I'm a Doctor."
   — elifritz

December 29, 2001
Calcium. We need to continue to feed the bones (including gums) calcium. Major dental problems about 5 yrs out ARE quite common, but then, most WLS are put on Tums, which are not an absorbable form of calcium. Some have reported crumbling teeth, but usually bone loss. What else we can do is cut down substantially on coffee, tea and carbonation, because of hte acids in them, take plenty of calcium citrate ( at least 1500mg, more if you feel safe and can spread it out into 500mg doses, and everybody's favorite, WATER. Lots of water. It's cheap, it's easy, and no fuss about flavor choices!
   — vitalady

December 29, 2001
Hello: I'm a dental hygienist and will attempt to answer your question. Osteoporosis will generally show up in xrays in the lower jaw around the molars. Therefore it is imperitive you are getting in your daily recommended dose of Calcium. Make sure you are taking Calcium Citrate. I take a daily dose of Calcium Citrate which also has calcium carbonate, vitamin D and magnesium. I purchase these at GNC which are sugar free chewable cherry flavored. Hope this helps. ~~~Ciao~~~
   — perezrdh

December 29, 2001
Hi everyone! I am almost 3 months out (Lap RNY). My Teeth have suffered greatly. I had to laugh at Lisa's Dr's comment..."just brush and floss..." Lol. I brush very regularly. And in the hospital I brushed extra, cause I developed a nasty thrush. My teeth are much darker than before, and they feel rough. Almost as though the other surface has gone away.
   — August S.

December 31, 2001
I am not a postop yet, but I am a dentist. Osteoporosis can manifest itself in the oral cavity, but usually by that time it has caused symptoms in other parts of the body as well. The vast majority of dental bone loss is caused by gum disease which is not WLS related. It is a symptom of inadequate oral hygiene, certain food choices, and an inherited tendency toward the disease. I strongly agree that you maintain adequate calcium in your diet or through supplements, but in the short-term, the effect on your teeth will be minimal. Your gums are more susceptible to short-term vitamin and mineral deficiencies than your teeth. Often, we see very significant erosion of enamel in bulimic patients due to the effects of acid in their vomiting. I know that some WLS patients tend to vomit frequently, but there should be less acid due to the reduction of acid in the pouch so I don't know if this would be a factor or not. Decreased salivation is another major cause of enamel breakdown. There isn't enough saliva to bathe and remineralize the teeth. This is frequently seen in cancer patients who have undergone head-and-neck radiation treatment. I don't know if WLS affects salivary output or not. This problem is helped by use of artificial saliva and sucking on sugarfree candies. Sometimes fluoride gels are reccomended to harden the enamel. The reduction of sugars and carbohydrates in the postop diet should work in your favor. These foods are the types which contribute to decay and gum disease. Proteins are much less likely to cause dental problems. Staining of teeth over a short period of time (months), is on the tooth surface, not inside the tooth, and would be more likely to be caused by certain foods (coffee, tea, soy sauce, etc.) or medications (iron supplements, etc.). Any staining or feeling of "roughness" should be checked by your dentist and may be resolved with something as simple as a cleaning.
   — blank first name B.