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Why do bariatric patients lose their teeth?

Why do bariatric patients lose their teeth?

Acidic levels in the oral cavity, which are known to be one of the postoperative side-effects of bariatric surgery, directly result in dental caries and tooth erosion.

What are the symptoms of gastric band erosion?

Gastric band erosion can manifest with various clinical symptoms, such as abdominal pain, obstruction, turbid fluid, and recurrent port infections, although some patients remain asymptomatic. Some seemingly insignificant symptoms, such as loss of restriction or weight gain, may also indicate gastric band erosion [6].

How do I know if my lap band is too full?

If band tightness was the problem, this should ease the symptoms described above….The following symptoms might mean your lap-band is too tight:

  1. discomfort while eating.
  2. coughing at night.
  3. acid reflux or heartburn.
  4. unsatisfactory weight loss.
  5. difficulty eating solid food.
  6. inability to keep food down.

How long does a lap band fill last?

After your initial fill, we may want to see you again in two weeks to check on you. It’s not uncommon to have as many as eight fills within the first year as your body adjusts to the lap band. The frequency of follow up visits and fills will often decrease after a year or two, depending on your progress.

Can gastric bypass ruin your teeth?

Some clinical case reports also showed the relation between bariatric surgery and increase of tooth decay11,13. Bariatric surgery might affect dental health by the pH decrease caused by the high frequency of sugar ingestion as well as Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GER).

How can I prevent my teeth from falling out after gastric bypass?

Brush and Floss Regularly – Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing every night are key to protecting your teeth and gums from harm. Since you eat more after weight loss surgery, considering brushing at least three times a day and flossing at least twice a day to help prevent tooth decay and other issues.

What happens when your lap band erodes?

Lap Band erosion is a condition when your Lap Band contacts your stomach wall, the stomach tissue is weakened, eventually causing a hole in your stomach. It can be caused by: The band being too tight, causing stomach tissue to eventually weaken and/or die due to insufficient blood flow.

What happens if lap band slips?

Gastric Lap Band Slippage Signs You may notice a decrease in appetite, being able to eat more than usual, or experiencing an unexplained discomfort during and after eating. Nausea or Vomiting: When the band on your stomach slips, it can be difficult for food to pass through.

How do you get food unstuck from lap band?

Many patients will recommend meat tenderizer or papaya enzymes to help break down the stuck food. It would require a small amount of water to add the meat tenderizer to or to swallow the enzymes tablet. You can also rub your chest, walk around, sit up in a chair for a while and wait for it to pass.

What does it feel like if your lap band slips?

Common presenting symptoms of LAGB slippage include abdominal pain, food intolerance, regurgitation, dysphagia, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and nocturnal vomiting [8, 9].

How often should a LAP-BAND be checked?

In the year following surgery, you will visit your bariatric program every four to six weeks to get the lap band filled or emptied with saline, which tightens or loosens the band, to verify your progress, and to assess any health concerns.

Can a LAP-BAND stay in forever?

Many patients wonder if after they get down to their goal weight, they can have their LAP-BAND® removed. The LAP-BAND® is meant to remain in place indefinitely. We know that once the band is removed, patients no longer feel satisfied with small portions, and often times start eating larger meals again.

Are there any problems with eating with dentures?

It takes some practice to eat with dentures. When you first get your new dentures, eating may be difficult. When you bite down or chew, your dentures could slip out of position. Some types of foods, like nuts and seeds, can get stuck under your dentures and cause some discomfort.

Is there a learning curve in eating with dentures?

Still, there is a learning curve involved when it comes to eating with dentures. The mechanics involved in eating with dentures are slightly different than eating with natural teeth, and many of our patients have difficulty adjusting in the first few months.

What foods can you eat when you have new dentures?

Some types of foods, like nuts and seeds, can get stuck under your dentures and cause some discomfort. To overcome these problems, stick to easy-to-eat foods when your dentures are new. Eat soft foods and cut them into small pieces to make chewing easier.

What causes the band to slip on a lap band?

Band slippage (2% – 18%) – occurs when the lower part of the stomach “slips” through the band, creating a bigger pouch above the band. Either removing fluid (from the LAP-BAND®) or surgical repositioning is required to repair band slippage.

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Ruth Doyle