Dental Problems

[Prestonandme 107]

Has anyone else had increased dental problems post-surgery?

I had heard several times that for a number of reasons, WLS patients experience more tooth decay and dental problems than the general population.

Two days ago (eight months post-surgery), one of my molars cracked in half. I need an implant now.

Rarely at night, I experience dry mouth. I shouldn't have a Calcium deficiency because I am conscientious about taking my Vitamins.

[Prestonandme 107]

I brush and floss regularly too. In fact, just three weeks ago, before I lost the molar, I had had a complete dental checkup and was told I was fine.

[rene50 147]

Thanks so much for posting this! I had not heard that WLS patients experience more dental problems. Sorry you have to have an expensive tooth implant. It's very concerning especially since you have good dental health—brushing, flossing, regular check-ups.

I just read an article and it didn't offer a clear cut reason for dental problems but mentioned many contributing factors: vomiting, reflux, frequent meals, Vitamin deficiencies, and gummy vitamins.

[catwoman7 10,883]

we rarely hear about this on internet forums, maybe just a couple of times a year, so although it happens, it seems to be uncommon.

I asked my dentist about this before I had WLS. He said none of his WLS patients have had any issues, so he himself has never seen it, but he started putting a fluoride varnish on my teeth every six months and having me use a prescription high-fluoride toothpaste just as a precaution. He said any problems are most likely due to increased acid in the saliva - either from vomiting or untreated GERD - so the extra fluoride would go a long way in preventing any related issues.

[Prestonandme 107]

Another possible reason for post-WLS surgery dental decay is that the composition of saliva changes so that there are less good bacteria that protect the teeth. This is what happens as we age and is often why older people start losing their teeth.

(This is from a dentist's posting at Quora).