Effects of Bariatric Surgery on the Oral Health of Patients

Objective: The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to analyze the effects of bariatric and metabolic surgery on the oral health of patients. Methods: Twenty-nine patients answered a questionnaire after undergoing bariatric surgery. Of these,18 accepted to have their dental condition clinically assessed as well. Mean postoperative time was 4 years. Oral and eating habits were assessed in order to detect the impact of gastroplasty on patients' lives and on their dental status. The Eccles index was usedto assess the level of dental erosion. Results: Bariatric surgery complications such as gastroesophageal reflux (55%), induced vomiting (90%), anxiety (65%), and systemic diseases such as anemia, high blood pressure, allergies or a combination of these (59%) were observed. Additionally, changes in eating habits such as craving for candies, ice, beer, finger foods, and sodas (59%), as well ashyposalivation (27%), parafunctional habits (55%), and dentin sensitivity (48%) were also reported. Among the patients submitted to the clinical examination, 55% demonstrated caries and 28% tooth wear Grade 1. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery had a negative effect on oral health, making the patient more susceptible to dental erosion. The integration of dentists into multidisciplinary teams is essential to early diagnosis and treatment of injuries caused by dental erosion. Dentists' awareness of the effects of bariatric surgery on the oral health can assist them to improve the quality of life of bariatric patients.