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With the healthy, slim body trend gaining popularity worldwide, there has been an increase in the use of weight-loss medications due to the social stigma.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as semaglutide (marketed under the highly recognizable brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide(Mounjaro, Zepbound) have demonstrated exceptional clinical efficacy for glycemic control, sustainable weight loss, and altering the surgical approach to global obesity.
They are primarily used by patients with Type II Diabetes, and are utilized for their metabolic effects on overall health and weight management. However, these medications have systemic side effects that include some oral and dental issues.
What are Ozempic teeth?
Dental professionals around the world have reported clusters of oral and dental manifestations in people who use Ozempic for weight loss, and also in diabetic patients.
These oral and dental symptoms, known as Ozempic Mouth or Ozempic Teeth, are indirect systemic consequences resulting from the use of Ozempic, Mounjaro, or any other similar medication.
The Ozempic’s teeth issues
The systemic side impacts the oral environment, which badly affects the teeth and is revealed as:
- Severe Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): The medication reduces saliva production in the mouth.
- Accelerated Tooth Decay (Cavities): Due to the lack of protective saliva and an increasingly acidic oral environment, patients frequently experience a rapid surge in new cavities, even if they previously had excellent oral hygiene.
- Enamel Erosion, tooth pain, and sensitivity: Gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, acid reflux, and vomiting, are very common. These events introduce highly corrosive stomach acid into the mouth, which irreversibly dissolves calcium, the main mineral, in tooth enamel, making the teeth brittle and highly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
In severe cases, this could lead to unexpected tooth cracks, chipping, fractures, and tooth loss. - Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): The medications suppress appetite, which often leads to malnutrition. Deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium severely compromise the immune system and gum health, leading to inflamed, bleeding, and receding gums.
- Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): The reduction in saliva allows odor-causing bacteria to increase in the mouth, and this is very common in cases of gastrointestinal reflux.
- Altered Taste (Dysgeusia): Often termed “Ozempic tongue,” many patients report a persistent metallic, bitter, or sour taste.
These multiple symptoms of Ozempic teeth changed our perspective on medical history taking and complicated clinical cases.
Complications of ignoring Ozempic teeth
If the patient is not aware of these symptoms, dental issues can be too serious and complicated to be treated.
- Ozempic can make teeth fall out as a result of rapid weight loss and loss of appetite. The patient’s body faces essential nutrient and mineral deficiencies, such as calcium, potassium, and vitamins, which affect the bone density and the gingival tissues holding teeth in place, leading to fragile jawbone and tooth loss.
- Ozempic can indirectly cause tooth pain as a result of enamel erosion that results from recurrent vomiting and stomach acid reflux, which leads to overall teeth pain and sensitivity and pain on eating, drinking, or teeth brushing.
- Ozempic deteriorates jawbone density, which makes dental implant treatment not suitable for these patients or more likely to fail, as a result of fragile bone that is liable to fracture, and impairs implant osseointegration in the bone.
How do dentists deal with Ozempic teeth side effects?
Dental professionals and general practitioners around the world should put Ozempic teeth and medication misuse into consideration, whether the patient is diabetic or not, as unfortunately, many believe that Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and similar medications are the easiest available way to lose weight and be in shape in no time.
- Dentists should take a thorough medical history and screening for such medications.
- Dentists should not start to fix decayed teeth, but provide a treatment plan for dry mouth problems, such as Saliva substitute spray or gel for complicated cases, or chewing sugar-free gum or mints containing xylitol is highly recommended to stimulate salivary flow.
- Refer the patient to a physician or dietitian to ensure proper intake of essential minerals and nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, and lean protein), which are necessary to support jawbone density and gum health while losing weight.
- Dentists are aware of the weight loss the patients have gone through, and one of its consequences is the Ozempic face, which is characterized by changes in facial features, with skin sagging, jowling, and hollowing around the cheeks.
Cosmetic dentists should collaborate with aesthetic providers for skin-tightening procedures such as fillers and Botox, to harmonize the new, perfect teeth with the facial structure for a hirmonus attractive smile.
Fixing dental issues with Ozempic teeth
If the patient has dental issues such as:
- Calcium degradation and enamel erosion from the tooth structure: Patients with Ozempic teeth need dental fluoride application with fluoride varnish or fluoride gel application to reinforce the dissolved weak enamel structure.
- Gum bleeding on brushing – gingivitis- a professional dental cleaning and polishing is recommended to remove plaque and food debris.
- If they want to replace missing teeth, they should make a lab test for calcium, potassium, and vitamin D blood levels, and a CBCT or 3D imaging to evaluate the jawbone density for a titanium dental implant osseointegration.
- If the case is complicated, replacing missing teeth with dental bridges is more recommended.
- You may need a night guard to protect weak enamel from fracture due to teeth grinding and clenching.
- Severe, rampant caries need root canal treatment, dental filling, and protective dental crowns to cover the teeth.
How to prevent Ozempic teeth
- Dentists should prescribe high-concentration fluoride toothpaste instead of the regular OTC ones.
- Patients should follow regular checkups every 3 or 4 months, instead of every 6 months as usual, to detect any tooth caries, dental cleaning, and periodontal maintenance.
- Patients should keep their bodies hydrated and drink water regularly.
- If you have acid reflux, don’t brush your teeth immediately after that, and try to neutralize the acidic medium in your mouth by rinsing your mouth with water, saline water, or baking soda dissolved in water. As the toothbrushing in an acidic medium harms the tooth structure and accelerates the loss of minerals.
Medical & Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. GLP-1 medications provide life-changing benefits for managing diabetes and obesity; this article does not imply they only cause harm, but aims to highlight potential oral side effects so patients can take proactive preventative measures. Furthermore, the brand name “Ozempic” is used colloquially throughout this text as an umbrella term for the broader class of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes medications. Patients should never alter or discontinue their prescribed medical treatments without consulting their prescribing physician.
Always consult with your healthcare provider and your dental team at Suave Clinic to create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific health needs.
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