Question:
Problems with chipped or broken teeth?

I am 4 months post opt and was watching TV last night when my tooth next to my front tooth broke. What is up with that? Would this have anything to do with surgery. Luckily I am not in any pain, but how often does this happen and why!    — mbcarter (posted on August 2, 2005)

August 1, 2005
It can happen when you don't take in enough calcium and your body starts to leech calcium from your bones (thereby causing osteoporosis) and your teeth (hence the broken ones). MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR CALCIUM CITRATE!!! I remember a few years ago reading several questions about post-op dental problems but they were all longer term post-op (a few years at least). Here's what my dentist told me and suggested: since most of us eat a higher protein diet, those foods can stick to your teethlonger and are more difficult to brush away, so brush thoroughly and more often. Practice really good dental hygiene: brush after meals, floss every day and, instead of the twice yearly cleaning, do it three times a year. The cost of an extra cleaning is about $100, although my insurance pays for this extra cleaning. My dentist also gives me a special floride rinse with every cleaning (my insurance picks up the tab for this, too). Since you are a relatively newer post-op, how was your dental health before your surgery? Did you have regukar dental care? I only ask this because so many of the SMO put off going to the doctor because we don't want to hear the words, "You know, if you lost weight...". I don't know if this view extends to seeing the dentist as well but it might. If you started out with very little or very poor dental care, your tooth may have broken due to that rather than having had WLS. BUT-- it's really important now that you have broken a tooth to see your dentist and to see whatever health professional is providing your follow-up care so that you can nip any problem in the bud. Best of luck!
   — lizinPA

August 2, 2005
It is so weird that you asked that question because the same thing happen to me last week. I couldnt believe i had no pain either. I guess i need to start taking extra calcium.
   — sheri shelby

August 3, 2005
Yes, it is happening to me. I went to eat at a well known chain restaurant Monday, and chewed down and hurt a loud snap and the most aweful pain. Even the person sitting across from me heard the tooth break. No I don't take calcium. I can't find chewable calcuim citrate... and I won't swallow big pills. I'm 4.5 years out, and have osteoperous. :(
   — Danmark

August 3, 2005
I am 4 years post op and I lost all of my teeth within the first year after surgery. I have been taking calcium but just recently found out i ahve been taking the wrong type. I had been taking calcium carbonate and my osteoporosis is getting worse. I read on Barbara Thompsons web site that we should take calcium citrate so I just started taking it yesterday. She also takes hers in powder form. I don't mean to scare anyone sinc my teeth had been bad pre-op. I just want to make you aware that calcium carbonate won't do the trick. Last Friday my hubby gave me a hug and my ribs popped and this is when I sytarted looking into my osteoporosis further. I am in a lot of pain from separated ribs. Please take your calcium even if they are in large pill form as they can be cut. If you visit Barbara's newsletter web page she gives more info on vitamins and where to buy powdered ones. http://www.wlscenter.com/NLArchive/aug_1_2005.htm Take care, Bobbi
   — bzerm01