With weight reduction drug ads infiltrating elements of on a regular basis life from scrolling on social media to in-person buying, it’s turn out to be fairly clear simply how mainstream these drugs at the moment are. They will not be offered subsequent to plain dietary supplements like magnesium and creatine in shops, however they’re virtually being placed on the identical shelf by the higher echelons of Hollywood.
Ozempic, particularly, has been on the rise in the previous few years with a number of celebrities akin to Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne brazenly admitting to taking the GLP-1 drug, initially designed to deal with type-2 diabetes, to assist them drop some pounds. As of 2024, roughly 5.7 million individuals are doing the identical, in line with a research by KFF Well being Observe. But, the short-term advantages of this injectable drug are presently being outweighed by a really severe potential facet impact that has turn out to be so widespread that it has earned a nickname on-line: Ozempic tooth.
What’s Ozempic Enamel?
Ozempic tooth refers back to the deterioration of oral well being seen inside prescription semaglutide customers. Movies from licensed dentists and Ozempic customers posted on TikTok and Instagram counsel points with oral well being – akin to tooth decay, dangerous breath and bleeding or irritated gums – could also be a results of signs of the drug akin to dry mouth, acid reflux disease and vomiting.
How Signs of Ozempic Might Result in Dental Points
Based on Dr. Sandip Sachar, a Manhattan-based dentist, there isn’t any scientific proof to counsel Ozempic can result in oral well being problems, nevertheless, individuals taking GLP-1 drugs are likely to drink much less water, which has subsequently led to the presence of dry mouth.
“One of many ways in which GLP-1 drugs work is by lowering or slowing the emptying of the GI (gastrointestinal) contents,” she informed WWD. “That is extra prevalent in emptying of meals which might be consumed but additionally can have an effect on liquids which might be consumed. Slowing of GI emptying could forestall starvation but additionally could forestall thirst.”
When an individual experiences dry mouth, it means there’s much less protecting saliva being produced to assist “neutralize acidic meals and drinks, wash away meals particles and decreased plaque buildup,” Sachar defined.
“Micro organism in plaque in addition to acidic meals and drinks can erode tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay and extra extreme issues down the highway,” she mentioned. “Along with tooth decay, different signs embrace elevated tooth sensitivity to cold and hot, enamel erosion, tooth fractures, receding gums, generalized oral discomfort and acid reflux disease.”
Meghan Garcia-Webb, a board-certified weight problems drugs physician, listed acid reflux disease and vomiting as different potential uncomfortable side effects of GLP-1 drugs that might trigger oral well being points. “That may be very damaging to the tooth,” she mentioned.
“If these turn out to be continual issues, then, in fact, they are often extra damaging to the tooth, throat and esophagus,” Garcia-Internet famous.
How Poor Oral Well being Can Be Prevented
That is all to not say dental and oral hygiene points are assured with weight reduction therapy. In reality, the prescribing physician might help catch these signs earlier than they make their approach to the mouth. Garcia-Webb mentioned lowering a affected person’s dose, switching them to a special remedy or beginning them on an extra one to “assist with nausea or extra abdomen acid” might help handle the uncomfortable side effects.
Further measures to keep away from oral problems also needs to be taken, in line with Sachar. “I like to recommend that they keep good oral hygiene with twice a day brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing on daily basis. They need to eat sufficient water to remain hydrated and stop dry mouth,” she mentioned.
She additionally prompt chewing sugar-free gum to extend saliva manufacturing and actively avoiding acidic or sugary drinks, in addition to sticky meals and sweet.
For anybody already exhibiting indicators of Ozempic tooth, Sachar mentioned frequent dental cleanings are essential.
