A recent study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that individuals who undergo bariatric surgery to treat severe obesity face a higher risk of dental caries and a general decline in oral health. The research followed 118 participants with a BMI of 35 or higher, some of whom underwent surgery, while others received medical treatment.

Two years after treatment, those who had surgery saw a significant increase in dental caries, with an average of 19.1 enamel lesions compared to 15.0 before surgery. In contrast, participants receiving medical treatment experienced an improvement in their dental health, with fewer caries.

The study also noted an increase in deeper caries lesions in the dentine for the surgery group, rising from 4.3 to 6.4 over two years. These findings remained statistically significant even after considering factors such as socioeconomic status and other medical conditions.

In addition to higher caries risk, many patients who had surgery reported poorer overall oral health, with symptoms like tooth hypersensitivity and difficulty chewing. These issues not only affect physical health but can also lead to social discomfort.

The research underscores the importance of awareness among healthcare providers. Both medical and dental professionals need to consider the potential impact of obesity treatments on oral health and incorporate preventive care into their treatment plans.