Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes
If you are taking a GLP-1 medication or thinking about starting one, you may have heard the term “Ozempic teeth” and wondered what it means. While the medication has proven benefits for blood sugar control and weight loss, it could also affect your teeth and gums.
Here’s what to know and how to keep your smile healthy along the way.
Table of Contents
- How GLP-1 Medications Might Impact Oral Health
- Protecting Your Oral Health While Taking GLP-1 Medications
- Schedule A Dental Visit In Greeley
- FAQs
Key Takeaway
GLP-1 medications may lead to changes in oral health, including dry mouth, enamel erosion, or gum irritation. Regular dental care and simple preventive steps can help reduce the risk and keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.
What Does ‘Ozempic Teeth’ Mean?
As more people use GLP-1 medications for weight loss or diabetes, some are noticing new and unexplained dental problems. The phrase “Ozempic teeth” has emerged as a way to describe these changes—even though similar side effects may occur with other GLP-1 drugs as well.
While these medications are not officially linked to dental damage, some patients have reported:
- Sudden tooth sensitivity
- Dry mouth
- Gum irritation or recession
- Cracked, loose, or even missing teeth
Dentists across the country have begun to notice patterns, especially in patients who started GLP-1 medications within the past year. Although research is still catching up, these reports suggest a possible connection worth paying attention to—especially if you’re seeing changes in your own mouth.
How GLP-1 Medications Might Impact Oral Health
These medications are not known to damage teeth directly, but they can influence several factors that affect your dental health. Here’s what might be happening behind the scenes:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia): Dehydration is common, especially during the early stages of treatment. Reduced saliva flow leaves your teeth and gums more vulnerable to bacteria, plaque buildup, and acid erosion.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Changes in appetite, nausea, or rapid weight loss can lead to low levels of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients that support strong teeth and bones.
- Acid exposure: Reflux and occasional vomiting are possible side effects. When stomach acid repeatedly contacts the teeth, enamel erosion can occur.
- Higher baseline risk: People with diabetes already face an increased risk of gum disease and slow healing. When combined with dry mouth or poor nutrition, the effects can be more noticeable.
- Fewer dental checkups: With shifting routines or focus on other health goals, it’s easy to miss regular cleanings—allowing small issues like plaque buildup or gum irritation to worsen over time.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you’re using a GLP-1 medication for blood sugar or weight management, be alert to any new changes in your mouth. These symptoms are worth mentioning to your dentist:
- Dry mouth that lingers throughout the day
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Bleeding, red, or swollen gums
- Sudden sensitivity to temperature or sweets
- Teeth that feel loose, shift slightly, or no longer fit together the same
- Cracks or chips without any clear cause
These signs don’t necessarily mean something serious is happening, but they do suggest your teeth and gums may need closer attention during treatment.
Protecting Your Oral Health While Taking GLP-1 Medications
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, a few simple steps can help reduce the risk of dental problems:
- Get cleanings more often: Going in every 3–4 months gives your dentist a better chance to catch early signs of gum disease, dry mouth, or enamel wear.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day to support saliva flow.
- Use fluoride: A fluoride toothpaste and rinse can help protect against cavities and enamel erosion.
- Chew sugar-free gum: Xylitol gum can help stimulate saliva if your mouth feels dry.
- Rinse after reflux or nausea: Use water to rinse after vomiting or heartburn to limit acid exposure.
- Monitor your nutrition: Ask your doctor to check levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and B12.
- Tell your dentist about your medication: They may recommend preventive care like fluoride varnish or more frequent visits based on your risk level.
Schedule A Dental Visit In Greeley
If you are taking a GLP-1 medication or planning to start, it is important to include your dental provider in your care. The team at Clearwater Dentistry will monitor for signs of dry mouth, enamel erosion, or gum changes and provide personalized recommendations to help protect your oral health.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
FAQs
GLP-1 medications are not known to directly harm teeth or gums, but they may contribute to conditions that affect oral health, such as dry mouth, nutrient deficiencies, or acid exposure. These factors can increase the risk of decay, gum disease, or enamel erosion over time.
The term “Ozempic teeth” has become a way to describe the dental side effects some patients report while using semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications. Although not a clinical diagnosis, it often refers to issues like dry mouth, gum recession, or unexpected tooth damage.
Saliva helps protect teeth by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. When saliva production is reduced, it increases the risk of cavities, gum irritation, and bad breath.
Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without speaking to your doctor. Talk to your dentist about how to manage symptoms and protect your teeth.
It can be difficult to tell without a dental exam. If symptoms like dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, or gum changes begin after starting the medication, mention this at your next dental visit. Your provider can help you determine if there may be a connection.
