Sterling Surgicare Bariatric Center

Weight issues (obesity) can take a serious toll on your teeth

June 05, 2015 by Ayotunde Adeyeri

By Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri, Medical Director, Sterling Surgicare

Studies have shown that obesity can result in a higher risk for dental problems. Issues with your teeth can affect your overall health and even open the door to serious chronic medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Specifically, overweight people have higher tooth decay levels, more missing teeth and fewer required dental fillings. They also visit a dentist less frequently, have more difficulty accessing dental care on a regular basis and are likely to visit a dentist only when they have a problem. 

Dental issues after bariatric surgery

Keep in mind, dental issues can continue even after obesity is defeated. Once bariatric weight-loss surgery has been completed and the weight begins to fall off, there are nutrition guidelines that patients need to follow. If this protocol is not adhered to, resulting gastrointestinal issues can cause damage to the teeth and mouth. 

Overeating causes stomach distension which frequently leads to regurgitation and reflux exposing the teeth to caustic gastric juices at pH levels high enough to dissolve tooth structure. This can lead to cavities, root degeneration and gum disease.

Tooth erosion is a common condition that includes hypersensitivity to eating or drinking cold or hot items. This can be compounded by sugar ingestion which produces even more acid in the mouth. The combined acid attacks invites uncontrolled enamel demineralization that defeats daily oral hygiene efforts even in someone who has never experienced dental decay issues. 

Six ways to get back on the dental health track

Proactive dental hygiene and early diagnosis of any problems will contribute to your overall health and wellness strategy. Here are steps to take to get rolling in the right direction:

• Have a thorough dental cleaning and examination and take care of any problems before they become more serious.

• Rinse with mouthwash for one minute twice a day prior to brushing and flossing.

• Use one of the new toothpastes that helps to preserve and protect tooth enamel.

• Add baking soda to your toothpaste to help neutralize acid levels in the mouth.

• Drink water throughout the day to help offset the negative effects of dry mouth.

• Eat more seeds, nuts, soy, seafood and spinach—this starves decay-producing bacteria and reduces acid levels in the mouth.

The bariatric weight loss process is a way of regaining control over your health. During the journey, it is important to take care of your teeth, gums and mouth. Not only will your mouth be fresher and healthier, white teeth will serve as a terrific accessary to your new outlook and your new body.

Find out if you have obesity, a chronic disease 

Would you like to find out if you are overweight according to your Body Mass Index (BMI)? We have a quick and easy calculator here  http://www.sterlingsurgicare.com/nj-surgery-specialties/metabolic-bariatric-surgery/bmi-caculator/

If your BMI is 35 or above, you could be a candidate for a surgical weight loss solution. This process is not a miracle cure for serious obesity. Rather, it is a tool to help regain health and fitness and extend your life span.

Find out how the process works by looking at our exclusive Sterling Surgicare Bariatric Process Chart which explains the steps you need to take before and after your weight loss surgery operation.

Ready to learn more? Great!  You can meet Dr. Adeyeri personally at one of his upcoming New Patient Information Seminars.

As always, feel free to call us at (732) 217-3897 to talk about your weight loss goals. 

 (Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhoto.net)