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
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