ORAL CHANGES IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING BARIATRIC SURGERY: An Integrative Review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The oral cavity is part of the digestive system and, therefore, adverse effects such as nutritional deficiencies, eating disorders and dumping syndrome can directly reflect on the oral health of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This article aims to carry out an integrative literature review regarding the main oral alterations that affect bariatric patients. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative review of the qualitative literature in Medline (via PubMed) and Scielo databases, using the health descriptors "Bariatric Surgery", "Oral Health" and "Dentistry", and selected publications between 2018 and 2023 with thematic relevance. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: After the research, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria and thematic relevance, 7 articles were selected. After analysis, it was found that changes in habits after surgery, especially food in terms of frequency of intake and type of food consumed, cause some side effects that influence the oral health of individuals. CONCLUSION: Eating disorders, changes in the supporting periodontium and increased gastroesophageal reflux that affect bariatric patients cause several oral alterations, such as tooth wear and hyposalivation, in addition to the formation of dental plaque, the development of periodontal disease and imbalance in the amount and types of microorganisms in the microbiota. The performance of the dental surgeon professional before and after bariatric surgery can be a determining factor in the oral health of bariatric patients, being able to prevent, intervene and provide guidance to patients regarding the most frequent dental complications after bariatric surgery.