[Caries explosion following bariatric surgery]

In a general dental practice, attention was drawn to a patient by numerous deep carious cavities following bariatric surgery. In the research literature, indications can be found for a negative influence of bariatric surgery on oral health. Risk factors for caries, such as the number of cariogenic bacteria in saliva, inadequate quantity and quality of saliva, gastrooesophageal reflux and vomiting may be become more pronounced. Additionally, dietary habits will change due to the altered anatomy of the gastro-intestinal tract. Negative effects of bariatric surgery on periodontal tissue have also been found. However, it is conceivable that patients who are overweight already have poorer oral health prior to bariatric surgery,due to lifestyle and dietary habits, than comparable people who are not overweight. Health education programmes prior to and following bariatric surgery seem to have a positive effect on oral health. Initiating more research into oral health related to bariatric surgery is recommended.