‘Ozempic teeth’ is a new phenomenon that concerned health care experts are warning people when using Ozempic.
Although Ozempic was originally developed to treat diabetes, it has also become popular for its weight-loss properties and is now used by millions worldwide.
Last year, around five percent of Brits reportedly used an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which is the scientific name for brands like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro .
It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in our bodies, slowing down digestion and enhancing weight loss.
But the injection also comes with considerable side effects, which in rare cases can include hypoglycemia and going into a coma.
Despite the health risks, many people have used the injection to lose weight. But amid the uptick in usage, an increasing number of people are starting to talk about signs of ‘Ozempic teeth’.
So, what are ‘Ozempic teeth’, and how worried should we be?
What is ‘Ozempic teeth’?
Ozempic has exploded in popularity over the last few years, but scientists are only just beginning to fully understand the side effects.
‘Ozempic teeth’ is the unofficial term for a number of dental issues that people who use Ozempic begin to experience, which can include decaying teeth, bad breath, and gum disease.
“While there is no direct scientific evidence yet, in clinical settings semaglutide drugs like Ozempic are starting to show correlation with damaged the teeth,” Dr. Sandip Sachar, a general and cosmetic dentist told The Standard. “In my practice we are seeing a correlation between patients on Ozempic and having increased dental problems.”
According to health experts, it’s believed that using Ozempic can reduce the amount of saliva produced, which can lead to people feeling dry mouths. It can also reportedly reduce the mouth’s natural ability to clean the teeth.
What’s more, other side effects of Ozempic, such as vomiting, can also impact people’s teeth because of the acidic nature of the stomach.
Dr Daniel Atkinson, clinical lead at Treated.com, told The London Standard: “This side effect has been reported on a lot, so it might be alarming if you’re thinking of starting a weight loss injection. These types of side effects aren’t listed in the patient information leaflet that comes with Ozempic, so why might these kinds of issues develop?”
“One potential reason this happens is because one side effect listed as common is acid reflux,” he said.
“An increase in the amount of acid you produce could, over time, start to erode your teeth. Ozempic can also cause dehydration — without regularly drinking water, bacteria can linger in your mouth and sometimes cause halitosis. This might explain why some users report bad breath. A reduced-calorie diet might also mean you’re missing some nutrients that are essential for maintaining healthy teeth.”
While Dr Atkinson maintained that health experts aren't necessarily worried about ‘Ozempic teeth’, simple strategies like sipping water and brushing teeth after meals can help reduce the effects.
