Bariatric surgery tied to increased vomiting, acid reflux and risk of dental erosion

Treatment of obesity by bariatric surgery has increased in recent years. Reported side effects that may predispose to dental erosion include reflux, vomiting, and an increased frequency of intake of food and drink.

The aim was to investigate long-term dietary behaviour and experiences related to symptoms of dental erosion at least 5 years after bariatric surgery.

An online questionnaire study was conducted amongst 250 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery at King Saud Medical City in Saudi Arabia 5 years ago or more. It comprised 36 questions on demographic data, dietary habits, general health, dental health, and oral symptoms. The data were analysed using Chi-square and sign tests (significance level P < .05).

Results:

• A significant increase in acidic reflux and vomiting was found after bariatric surgery and appeared to increase with time after surgery.
• Also, a significant association between the presence of acidic reflux and symptoms of dental erosion was found.
• However, 68.5% reported improved overall well-being after surgery.
• The response rate was 21.6% (most were female, aged 30-59 years).
• Respondents were generally not advised to visit a dentist in connection with bariatric surgery.

Thus, this long-term cross-sectional study suggests a time-dependent, increasing occurrence of vomiting and acidic reflux after bariatric surgery. Vomiting and reflux became even more common after 5 to 10 years. A significant relationship emerged between a high frequency of acidic reflux and a high frequency of oral symptoms related to dental erosion. Daily occurrence of general symptoms related to dumping syndrome were reported by the majority. However, in a 5- to 10-year perspective, general symptoms related to dumping syndrome and symptoms from dental erosion did not seem to detract from the respondents' overall satisfaction with daily living. Oral health problems might be reduced if patients who had bariatric surgery were referred to a dentist for prevention and monitoring.

Reference:

Fatimah Alsuhaibani, Abdulaziz Alsuhaibani, Dan Ericson, Kerstin Larsson. Risk Factors for Dental Erosion After Bariatric Surgery: A Patient Survey. International Dental Journal, Volume 72, Issue 4, 2022, Pages 491-498, ISSN 0020-6539, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.identj.2021.11.001.