{"id":164651,"date":"2025-06-07T03:37:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-07T03:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/164651\/"},"modified":"2025-06-07T03:37:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T03:37:17","slug":"glp-1-drugs-may-cause-tooth-decay-experts-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/164651\/","title":{"rendered":"GLP-1 Drugs May Cause Tooth Decay, Experts Say"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/close-up-woman-mouth-hands-dental-dentist-oral-exam-teeth-cleaning-1296x728-header.jpg\" alt=\"Female receiving dental cleaning\" class=\"css-1jytyml\"\/><a class=\"icon-hl-pinterest css-1dn5h5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-event=\"Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked\" data-element-event=\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthline.com%2Fhealth-news%2Fozempic-teeth-may-impact-dental-health&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F06%2Fclose-up-woman-mouth-hands-dental-dentist-oral-exam-teeth-cleaning-1296x728-header.jpg&amp;description=%E2%80%98Ozempic%20Teeth%E2%80%99%3A%20GLP-1%20Drugs%20May%20Cause%20Tooth%20Decay%2C%20Experts%20Say\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" data-pin-custom=\"true\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/close-up-woman-mouth-hands-dental-dentist-oral-exam-teeth-cleaning-1296x728-header.jpg\">Share on Pinterest<\/a>People using GLP-1 drugs are reporting an unusual side effect impacting dental health that some are calling \u201cOzempic teeth.\u201d Jacob Wackerhausen\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>People using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are reporting what they call \u201cOzempic teeth.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The unusual side effect refers to the dental health impacts of GLP-1 drugs, including tooth decay, sensitivity, and tooth loss.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Dentists say that dry mouth, vomiting, and low appetite are likely causes of these side effects.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Proper oral care is a must for people using GLP-1 medications.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You may have heard of GLP-1 side effect phenomena like \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/ozempic-face-what-is-it-and-what-can-you-do-about-it\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ozempic face<\/a>\u201d or \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/ozempic-what-to-know-about-this-side-effect-you-may-experience-while-taking-weight-loss-drugs\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ozempic butt<\/a>,\u201d which refer to sunken cheeks or flat derriere following weight loss.<\/p>\n<p>These changes often occur due to rapid fat \u2014 and in some cases, muscle \u2014 loss, which can leave skin looking more loose and aged, particularly on the face and buttocks.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, many people using GLP-1 medications also report what has been termed \u201cOzempic teeth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/vipsmiles.com\/meet-dr-catrise-austin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Catrise Austin<\/a>, DDS, a cosmetic dentist, author of \u201cStop Diabetes Today,\u201d and host of the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/letstalksmilespodcast.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Let\u2019s Talk Smiles Podcast<\/a>,\u201d as more people turn to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/semaglutide-for-weight-loss\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">semaglutide<\/a>) for diabetes and weight loss, dentists are seeing more patients experiencing a range of unexpected oral side effects.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile not officially labeled as a clinical diagnosis, \u2018Ozempic teeth\u2019 is becoming a catch-all phrase describing the sudden onset of dental decay, sensitivity, and even tooth loss in patients on these medications,\u201d Austin told Healthline.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOzempic teeth\u201d may also include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/dry-mouth\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dry mouth<\/a>, enamel erosion, inflamed gums, and, in severe cases, cracked or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/loose-tooth\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">loose teeth<\/a>, she noted.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThough anecdotal, these stories have gained traction as more users share alarming dental side effects online and in media reports,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, Ozempic is not the only GLP-1 drug linked to \u201cOzempic teeth.\u201d Other GLP-1s may lead to similar side effects.<\/p>\n<p>Austin cited several mechanisms as likely culprits for Ozempic-related tooth issues.<\/p>\n<p>Dry mouth (xerostomia)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cReduced salivary flow is one of the most common complaints I hear from patients on GLP-1 medications,\u201d she said. \u201cSaliva is essential for neutralizing acids and protecting enamel. When it\u2019s diminished, the risk of decay and gum disease rises sharply.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>If you have dry mouth, you may feel thirsty, have trouble swallowing, feel like your mouth is sticky, or have dry, cracked lips.<\/p>\n<p>Nausea and vomiting<\/p>\n<p>Austin noted that clinical data reported by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/drugsatfda_docs\/label\/2017\/209637lbl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a> show that nausea occurs in 16% to 20% of patients who use Ozempic. Additionally, 5\u20139% have vomiting. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cRepeated exposure to stomach acid can erode tooth enamel and increase sensitivity,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n<p>Malnutrition<\/p>\n<p>Reduced oral care<\/p>\n<p>Austin additionally observed that some may neglect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-remove-plaque\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">regular brushing<\/a> and flossing while they are feeling unwell, which can lead to accelerated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/signs-of-a-cavity\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tooth decay<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.beverlyhillsconciergedoctor.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Ehsan Ali<\/a>, MD, the \u201cBeverly Hills Concierge Doctor\u201d and board certified internal and geriatric medicine specialist, echoed Austin\u2019s remarks about GLP-1-related tooth and gum problems. He added that it\u2019s more than just your teeth that may be at stake.<\/p>\n<p>However, there are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFirst, hydration is key,\u201d said Ali. \u201cDrink lots of water throughout the day to keep your mouth from getting dry.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>You can also try using a mouth rinse that promotes saliva production or chewing sugar-free gum to help keep your mouth moist.<\/p>\n<p>Ali also recommended avoiding skipping meals, even though you may not be feeling hungry.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNutrients like calcium and vitamin D are important for oral health,\u201d he said. So, it\u2019s essential to continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet and not restrict your caloric intake too severely.<\/p>\n<p>Also, remember to brush and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-floss\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">floss regularly<\/a> and avoid acidic or sugary snacks, which can wear down tooth enamel, said Ali.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you\u2019ve been vomiting, rinse your mouth out with water and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/baking-soda-benefits-uses\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">baking soda<\/a> before brushing, as this helps neutralize stomach acid,\u201d he advised.<\/p>\n<p>Austin further suggested avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/caffeine-effects-on-body\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">caffeine<\/a>, which can all worsen dry mouth.<\/p>\n<p>As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro continue to rise in popularity for diabetes management and weight loss, it\u2019s important to be aware of the potential oral health complications that may come with them. <\/p>\n<p>While \u201cOzempic teeth\u201d isn\u2019t a formal diagnosis, the growing number of reports about dry mouth, enamel erosion, and even tooth loss point to a real concern for many patients. <\/p>\n<p>Simple steps can help protect your smile, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/7-health-benefits-of-water\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">staying hydrated<\/a>, maintaining consistent oral hygiene, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and using saliva-supporting products.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s also crucial to speak with your healthcare team if you experience persistent nausea or vomiting or notice any dental changes.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you\u2019re noticing new sensitivity, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-to-stop-bleeding-gums\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bleeding gums<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bad-breath\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bad breath<\/a> that won\u2019t go away, or any sudden changes like loose teeth or breakage, it\u2019s time to call your dentist,\u201d said Ali.<\/p>\n<p>If you are frequently experiencing nausea or vomiting, he said it\u2019s also a good idea to speak with the doctor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">managing your weight loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c[They] may need to adjust your dose or add something to help protect your stomach,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe earlier we catch it, the easier it is to manage \u2014 and ideally, prevent permanent damage,\u201d Ali said.<\/p>\n<p>The bottom line? These medications can offer powerful health benefits, but being proactive about side effects ensures they don\u2019t come at the cost of your teeth.<\/p>\n<p>As always, prevention and early intervention are key to keeping your oral health on track.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Share on PinterestPeople using GLP-1 drugs are reporting an unusual side effect impacting dental health that some are&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":164652,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4315],"tags":[56274,105,4326,68978,68979,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-164651","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medication","8":"tag-glp-1-drugs","9":"tag-health","10":"tag-medication","11":"tag-ozempic-teeth","12":"tag-tooth-decay","13":"tag-uk","14":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114639997686207082","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=164651"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/164651\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/164652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=164651"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=164651"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=164651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}