Ozempic Teeth: What You Need to Know About Oral Health and GLP-1s

If you’re taking Ozempic (semaglutide), you may have experienced a few mild side effects. And if you’ve noticed changes in your oral or dental health, you’re not alone. Many people have reported a cluster of dental issues known as “Ozempic teeth” since they started taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. 

Let’s take a closer look at how Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications can affect your oral health and what you can do to prevent it.

What is ‘Ozempic teeth’?

“Ozempic teeth” isn’t an official medical term, but it’s often used to describe the changes people may notice in their mouth while taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications. These changes aren’t just limited to the teeth but can also involve general oral health as well. 

If you’re taking Ozempic, the term “Ozempic teeth” may be used to refer to:

• Changes in how your teeth look or feel

• Tooth sensitivity

• Tooth decay

• Gum inflammation

• Dry mouth

• Bad breath

What causes ‘Ozempic teeth’?

“Ozempic teeth” changes are thought to be caused in part by dry mouth. Ozempic can cause dry mouth by decreasing how much saliva you produce. Dry mouth can also happen as a result of dehydration due to other Ozempic side effects like decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting. 

When the mouth is dry, there’s less saliva to wash away bacteria and protect your teeth. This can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum problems. 

Vomiting or acid reflux can also bring stomach acid into the mouth. And this can wear down tooth enamel and cause changes in your teeth. In addition, eating less or changing diet habits might lead to nutritional deficiencies that can affect oral health over time. 

How is ‘Ozempic teeth’ diagnosed?

There’s no single test to diagnose “Ozempic teeth.” Remember, it’s not an official medical diagnosis. But, your dentist may notice changes in your oral and dental health during a regular exam. They may look for signs of:

• Dry mouth

• Cavities

• Gum problems

• Enamel wear

• Tooth sensitivity

If you’re taking medications like Ozempic, your dentist may ask you about symptoms like:

• Bad breath

• Nausea

• Acid reflux

Based on what they see and symptoms you have, your dentist can decide if any dental issues could be linked to side effects from Ozempic.

Is ‘Ozempic teeth’ a permanent side effect?

The good news is, “Ozempic teeth” isn’t permanent for the most part, and your oral health can improve while taking a GLP-1 medication. If you follow a good oral health routine and manage side effects of Ozempic that can lead to dry mouth, your dental health can go back to its baseline.

In many cases, a dentist may be able to improve “Ozempic teeth” effects, by filling cavities or treating sensitive teeth, allowing your mouth to heal over time. But if acid from vomiting or reflux has severely damaged your teeth, these changes may be irreversible. Treating these issues can help protect the tooth enamel from further damage. 

How can you keep your teeth healthy while taking Ozempic?

To keep your teeth healthy while on Ozempic, you’ll need to follow a good oral health routine. Some tips to keep your mouth and teeth healthy include:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing each day will decrease the presence of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay.

• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps to prevent dry mouth and its effects on the teeth.

• Avoid sugary or acidic foods and drinks: These can increase the risk of cavities and tooth erosion while taking Ozempic.

• Rinse your mouth with water immediately after vomiting: If you happen to vomit while taking Ozempic, make sure you rinse your mouth instead of brushing right away. This helps to clear any damaging acids from your teeth, rather than spreading it across more teeth while brushing.

• Keep regular dentist appointments: This is helpful so they can catch and treat any Ozempic-related dental or oral health issues early.

Are there Ozempic alternatives that don’t affect your oral health?

If Ozempic is causing oral health side effects, you can talk with your prescriber about other options. There are other types of medications for Type 2 diabetes that don’t have oral health side effects like Ozempic and other GLP-1s. 

Common medications for Type 2 diabetes that don’t cause side effects like “Ozempic teeth” include:

• Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, like Januvia

• Metformin

• Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, like Jardiance or Farxiga (dapagliflozin) 

• Sulfonylureas, like glipizide (Glucotrol) 

• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), like pioglitazone (Actos)

Every medication works differently and has its own risks for certain side effects. A healthcare professional can help you choose one that fits your health needs and may be less likely to affect your oral health.

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Written by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Shari L. Grigsby-Young, DDS

Dr. Grigsby-Young is a general dentist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

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