With advertisements of weight loss drugs infiltrating the aspects of the daily life of scrolling on social networks for purchases in person, it has become clear how these drugs are now. They may not be sold next to standard supplements such as magnesium and creatine in stores, but they are practically put on the same shelf by the upper Hollywood levels.
Ozempic, in particular, has increased in recent years with several celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne openly admitting having taken the drug GLP-1, originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, to help them lose weight. In 2024, around 5.7 million people did the same, according to a study by Kff Health Track. However, the short -term advantages of this injectable drug are currently prevailing on a very serious potential side effect which has become so common that it has won an online nickname: ozempic teeth.
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What is ozempic teeth?
Ozempic teeth refer to the deterioration of oral health observed within prescription semaglutide users. Videos of certified dentists and ozempic users published on Tiktok and Instagram suggest oral health problems – such as dental caries, bad breath and bleeding or irritated gums – can be the result of drug symptoms such as dry mouth, acid reflux and vomiting.
How the symptoms of the Ozempic can cause dental problems
According to Dr. Sandip Sachar, a dentist based in Manhattan, there is no scientific evidence suggesting that the Ozempic can lead to oral health complications, however, people taking GLP-1 drugs tend to drink less water, which later led to the presence of the dry mouth.
“One of the ways that GLP-1 drugs are working is to reduce or slow down the emptying of gastrointestinal content (gastrointestinal),” she said to WWD. “This is more widespread in the emptying of foods that are consumed but which can also affect the liquids that are consumed. The slowdown in gastrointestinal emptying can prevent hunger but can also prevent thirst. ”
When a person experiences a dry mouth, it means that there is fewer protective saliva produced to help “neutralize acidic food and drinks, wash food debris and reduce the accumulation of plaque”, explained Sachar.
“Plate bacteria as well as acidic foods and drinks can erode dental enamel causing dental caries and more serious problems on the road,” she said. “In addition to dental cavities, other symptoms include increased sensitivity of tooth to hot and cold erosion, enamel, dental fractures, declive gums, generalized oral discomfort and acid reflux.”
Meghan Garcia-Webb, doctor of obesity certified à la carte, has listed acid reflux and vomit as other potential side effects of GLP-1 drugs which could cause oral health problems. “It can be very damaging to the teeth,” she said.
“If these become chronic problems, then, of course, they can be more damaging for teeth, throat and esophagus,” noted Garcia-Web.
How bad oral health can be avoided
All this does not mean that dental problems and oral hygiene are guaranteed with weight loss treatment. In fact, the prescribing doctor can help take these symptoms before going to the mouth. Garcia-Webb said that decreasing the dose of a patient, transforming them to a different drug or starting it on another to “help with nausea or excess gastric acid” can help manage side effects.
Additional measures to avoid oral complications should also be taken, according to Sachar. “I recommend that they maintain good oral hygiene with twice a day to brush with fluorine and silk toothpaste every day. They should consume enough water to stay hydrated and prevent the dry mouth, “she said.
She also suggested chewing gum without sugar to increase saliva production and actively avoid acidic or sweet drinks, as well as sticky foods and candies.
For anyone who already with signs of ozempic teeth, Sachar said that frequent dental cleanings are necessary.
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