Question:
Do I need to tell my dentist about my WLS?

I'm going in for a routine cleaning next month and every time I go, the dentist asks if there have been any health issues/hospitalizations since my last cleaning. Is there any reason I should tell about my WLS? What difference will it make if my dentist knows or not? Thanks!    — Angie M. (posted on November 4, 2002)

November 3, 2002
Why not tell them? If you had your appendix out would you not inform them? My dentist is real interested in WLS. The weight loss affects our gums as well and our teeth health usually improve due to fewere sweets. Although chewing more can cause TMJ to get worse.
   — bob-haller

November 3, 2002
Angie- My ex-husband was a dentist, so I gave your question some thought. If your diet is poor it could show up in your gums. If you are about to have a full denture , your fit could be different after a major weight loss. If you are not drinking enough, bacteria can stay longer in your mouth leading to decay. Having said that, I am not telling my present dentist about my WLS because he is very conservative and would flip over it.If gum problems should arise, later, I will tell him I am on a diet and will do better on the protein and vitamins..Just my opinion, Tess
   — Tess D.

November 3, 2002
Actually, to Bob's question, no, I would not tell my dentist I had my appendix out!! I do not know why I would. I have not told my dentist, becasue a very good friend of the family works there and I do not want her to know my business. Becasue most people do not know and I want to keep it that way. Of course, If I start to have problems, and they could be related to the WLS, I may give in and tell him, under patient confidentiality, it should not leave that office. But, we all know how that goes. Remember, once you tell some one something, you can not untell it!!
   — Vicki L.

November 4, 2002
Hi.......... Actually, I used to work for a dental office. The first thing they ask you is you've had any surgery or have been hospitalized for any reason since you've last seen them. If you want, you can just say you had some Gastrointestinal surgery. Don't tell them it was WLS. I really think it's important for them to know. Everything you tell them is completely confidential so don't worry about it. Good luck, and remember to floss!
   — Iris B.

November 4, 2002
Hi.......... Actually, I used to work for a dental office. The first thing they ask you is you've had any surgery or have been hospitalized for any reason since you've last seen them. If you want, you can just say you had some Gastrointestinal surgery. Don't tell them it was WLS. I really think it's important for them to know. Everything you tell them is completely confidential so don't worry about it. Good luck, and remember to floss!
   — Iris B.

November 4, 2002
I was scheduled to get a partial denture and told my dentist about my scheduled surgery for wls and she said to wait to get my new dentures until I had lost most of my weight. She wanted to make sure I had a perfect fit. So I say, YES, tell your dentist.
   — RODEO CLOWNS S.

November 4, 2002
One of the side effects of wls is malabsorption. Sometimes a dentist can spot this in the early stages. I know of people who were not getting enough calcium and had their teeth rot. Calcium helps teeth and bones. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would want to withhold this vital information.
   — faybay

November 4, 2002
I SHOUT it to the world!!!! I HAD WLS!!!!! You never know who you might just help with your story. Are you ashamed of it? NOT ME!!!! I am proud as a peacock that I have lost 215 lbs and I don't care who knows about it.
   — OLD RODEO C.

November 7, 2002
Yes, absolutely, tell your dentist you had WLS!! He will then check you carefully not only for your routine checkup, but also your gums to make sure you're not anemic or have bleeding tendencies, and that your teeth are not becoming porous and cavity-prone.
   — Joyce C.

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