WLS and teeth

This may seem crazy, but I was talking with my sister today. Someone she knew had WLS surgery years ago. Later she notice her teeth were decaying. My sis obviously did not ask her about it. She asked me if that was a side -effect. I told her not that I know of, but was going to post it here to see.  Has anyone heard of this? My guess is that she was not taking in her calcium or Vitamin D. Any thoughts? Thanks, Penny

I havent heard of it before but I'm sure nutrient deficiency would allow that to happen. My brother had calcium deficiency as a child and his teeth are stained different shades...not decayed though.

Yes that has been heard of and it is indeed a possibility - so you need to make sure you are taking as much calcium as your body needs - but I know people who do take their calcium and STILL their teeth decay.  So once you have weight loss surgery a regular visit to your dentist is essential  -in my opinion... Jackie

Jackie, Wow, this is one side effect I have not heard of. It is really making me realize how important the vitamins and calcium are. I'm putting them high on my priority list. Penny

Just to add what has already been said....I;ve been doing a lot of reading on the effects caffine has, and I have read that in the January 1994 editon of the Journal of the American Medical Association, it states that "There was a significant association between drinking more caffinated coffee and decreasing bone mineral density at both the hip and the spine, independent of age, obesity, years since menopause and the use of tobacco, estrogen, alcohol, thiazides and calcium supplements in women."  Additionally, I have found  that excessive caffeine intake may decrease iron and calcium absorption.  This is based on "normal" women, not those who have had WLS. Additionally, I have found  that excessive caffeine intake may decrease iron and calcium absorption. So, in reading this, I have come to the assumption (my personal opinion) that if caffine can wreck havoc on a normal system with regards to caffine, what can it do to mine?   I know many women who are having problems with their teeth and bones and attribute it to the lack of calcium absorption.  But...they drink several cups of coffee (and other caffine drinks) a day.  So, is it really just the WLS, or does their caffine consumption combined with the WLS cause this? I'm not a doctor, so I cannot answer that.

That's so interesting. Caffeine is a drug. Just take it away for a day or two and see if you're missing it. I've been off it for about 4-5 weeks, but when we went to Disney last week , I had it a couple of times ...CRAZY ME. So I haven't had since we got back and on about day 3 or 4 I was so tired. I'm sure it was caffeine withdrawal.  Thanks for your post...I did not know that caffeine decreases your calcium. I really want this to be a lifestyle change for me starting now. It's more than just having the surgery , isn't it? I've got to change all aspects of my life.  Thanks, Penny

Smoking may be related to bone loss.  How, I'm not sure -- but I have a relative who was told by the dentist that he teeth became loose due to bone loss caused by smoking.  Since we malabsorb minerals anyway, it would seem smart to stop doing anything that could cause further bone loss.   I have seen posts recently on other boards by a WLS patient who have had to have teeth pulled and this person smokes.  Maybe there is a connection?

Yes, Cathy...you are correct. Smoking is the biggest contributor to aging a mouth.  Not only does it stain your teeth, it also interrupts calcium absorption. That's why I am glad that I made the decision to quite smoking before my surgery so I would be fully ready for surgery and afterwards.  And I haven;t looked back since. How ya doing these days????? 

good, just too busy.  I am in the process of incorporating, sorting through 30 years of stuff, packing some and donating some in anticipation of our move.  Will I see you at the May OH Event in NOVA?

I will there in bells and bows - haha! When you are done there, wanna come to my house to do mine - haha!