Why Would My Dentist Ask If I'd Lost Weight

[Treacle71]

I was taken aback when she asked me. Yes, I have lost weight due to my cholesterol being high (I've cut down on bad food, which I told her about), but it was the first thing she asked me when I got into her surgery. Do you think it was inappropriate? Then she said she needs to lose weight herself.

[naomi24]

Perhaps she was just being chatty.

[johnk]

Just chatting as Naomi says, be happy it shows.

[Redhelen72]

Losing weight can affect your teeth

[Hopkirk]

She was complimenting you.

[Treacle71]

Very interesting, Redhelen72, as my dentist told me I've the early stages of gum disease.

[naomi24]

If you felt she had an ulterior motive why not just ask her why she was asking?

[DTCwordfan]

it was a compliment as if you have lost weight then the sugar in your diet has probably come tumbling down - and it would have been the sugar that caused the gum disease. A few good clean-up sessions from the hygenist or her will probably get you back on track.

[bobbinwales]

Maybe she was just giving a compliment...'(perhaps she misunderstood what complementary dental therapy is all about)

[Arksided]

I agree with Hopkirk I think it was a compliment to you.

[barry1010]

When you lose enough weight to show, everyone and anyone feels they have the right to pass comment on it.
It seems to be some sort of inbuilt reflex.

[Arksided]

When you haven’t seen someone for a while like a dentist for eg we do notice differences assuming that you’re not there every week, six months maybe. A compliment and a little jealous of what you’ve achieved.

[wolf63]

You should do what I do in such situations, ask why they are asking. I find that being straightforward and, maybe, tactless is simpler than worrying about why someone asks something.

[Gill1941]

No, it was not "inappropriate".
Being overweight can cause lots of different health problems. Including teeth as you are probably having too much sugar.

[barry1010]

Dentists are also aware that problems with teeth and gums can cause loss of weight if there is any difficulty biting/chewing or tooth sensitivity.

[douglas9401]

You clearly made an impression on previous visits.

[Hopkirk]

Maybe the dentist was just filling time