With weight loss drug advertisements infiltrating aspects of everyday life from scrolling on social media to in-person shopping, it’s become quite clear just how mainstream these medications are now. They may not be sold next to standard supplements like magnesium and creatine in stores, but they’re practically being put on the same shelf by the upper echelons of Hollywood.
Ozempic, specifically, has been on the rise in the last few years with several celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne openly admitting to taking the GLP-1 drug, originally designed to treat type-2 diabetes, to help them lose weight. As of 2024, approximately 5.7 million people are doing the same, according to a study by KFF Health Track. Yet, the short-term benefits of this injectable drug are currently being outweighed by a very serious potential side effect that has become so common that it has earned a nickname online: Ozempic teeth.
What is Ozempic Teeth?
Ozempic teeth refers to the deterioration of oral health seen within prescription semaglutide users. Videos from certified dentists and Ozempic users posted on TikTok and Instagram suggest issues with oral health – such as tooth decay, bad breath and bleeding or irritated gums – may be a result of symptoms of the drug such as dry mouth, acid reflux and vomiting.
How Symptoms of Ozempic May Lead to Dental Issues
According to Dr. Sandip Sachar, a Manhattan-based dentist, there is no scientific evidence to suggest Ozempic can lead to oral health complications, however, people taking GLP-1 medications tend to drink less water, which has subsequently led to the presence of dry mouth.
“One of the ways that GLP-1 medications work is by reducing or slowing the emptying of the GI (gastrointestinal) contents,” she told WWD. “This is more prevalent in emptying of foods that are consumed but also can affect liquids that are consumed. Slowing of GI emptying may prevent hunger but also may prevent thirst.”
When a person experiences dry mouth, it means there’s less protective saliva being produced to help “neutralize acidic foods and drinks, wash away food debris and decreased plaque buildup,” Sachar explained.
“Bacteria in plaque as well as acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel leading to tooth decay and more severe problems down the road,” she said. “In addition to tooth decay, other symptoms include increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, enamel erosion, tooth fractures, receding gums, generalized oral discomfort and acid reflux.”
Meghan Garcia-Webb, a board-certified obesity medicine doctor, listed acid reflux and vomiting as other potential side effects of GLP-1 medications that could cause oral health issues. “That can be very damaging to the teeth,” she said.
“If these become chronic problems, then, of course, they can be more damaging to the teeth, throat and esophagus,” Garcia-Web noted.
How Poor Oral Health Can Be Prevented
This is all not to say dental and oral hygiene issues are guaranteed with weight loss treatment. In fact, the prescribing doctor can help catch these symptoms before they make their way to the mouth. Garcia-Webb said decreasing a patient’s dose, switching them to a different medication or starting them on an additional one to “help with nausea or excess stomach acid” can help manage the 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 brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing every day. They should consume enough water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth,” she said.
She also suggested chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and actively avoiding acidic or sugary drinks, as well as sticky foods and candy.
For anyone already exhibiting signs of Ozempic teeth, Sachar said frequent dental cleanings are necessary.