
‘Ozempic Teeth' May Cause Tooth Decay, Other Dental Health Effects
People using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are reporting what they call 'Ozempic teeth.'
The unusual side effect refers to the dental health impacts of GLP-1 drugs, including tooth decay, sensitivity, and tooth loss.
Dentists say that dry mouth, vomiting, and low appetite are likely causes of these side effects.
Proper oral care is a must for people using GLP-1 medications.
You may have heard of GLP-1 side effect phenomena like ' Ozempic face ' or ' Ozempic butt,' which refer to sunken cheeks or flat derriere following weight loss.
These changes often occur due to rapid fat — and in some cases, muscle — loss, which can leave skin looking more loose and aged, particularly on the face and buttocks.
Recently, many people using GLP-1 medications also report what has been termed 'Ozempic teeth.'
According to Catrise Austin, DDS, a cosmetic dentist, author of 'Stop Diabetes Today,' and host of the ' Let's Talk Smiles Podcast,' as more people turn to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) for diabetes and weight loss, dentists are seeing more patients experiencing a range of unexpected oral side effects.
'While not officially labeled as a clinical diagnosis, 'Ozempic teeth' is becoming a catch-all phrase describing the sudden onset of dental decay, sensitivity, and even tooth loss in patients on these medications,' Austin told Healthline.
'Ozempic teeth' may also include dry mouth, enamel erosion, inflamed gums, and, in severe cases, cracked or loose teeth, she noted.
'Though anecdotal, these stories have gained traction as more users share alarming dental side effects online and in media reports,' she said.
Of course, Ozempic is not the only GLP-1 drug linked to 'Ozempic teeth.' Other GLP-1s may lead to similar side effects.
How Ozempic affects your dental health
Austin cited several mechanisms as likely culprits for Ozempic-related tooth issues.
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
'Reduced salivary flow is one of the most common complaints I hear from patients on GLP-1 medications,' she said. 'Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and protecting enamel. When it's diminished, the risk of decay and gum disease rises sharply.'
If you have dry mouth, you may feel thirsty, have trouble swallowing, feel like your mouth is sticky, or have dry, cracked lips.
Nausea and vomiting
Austin noted that clinical data reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) show that nausea occurs in 16% to 20% of patients who use Ozempic. Additionally, 5–9% have vomiting.
'Repeated exposure to stomach acid can erode tooth enamel and increase sensitivity,' she explained.
Malnutrition
'Some patients experience appetite suppression to the point of nutrient deficiency, which can affect gum health and healing,' said Austin.
Vitamin C, vitamin D, and B complex are just a few of the many vitamins that play a crucial role in gum health.
Reduced oral care
Austin additionally observed that some may neglect regular brushing and flossing while they are feeling unwell, which can lead to accelerated tooth decay.
For maximum benefit, you'll also want to floss before you brush.
How to protect your teeth when using Ozempic
Ehsan Ali, MD, the 'Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor' and board certified internal and geriatric medicine specialist, echoed Austin's remarks about GLP-1-related tooth and gum problems. He added that it's more than just your teeth that may be at stake.
'[Dental] health is tied to overall health,' he told Healthline. 'Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk for infections, inflammation, and even heart disease over time.'
However, there are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself.
'First, hydration is key,' said Ali. 'Drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your mouth from getting dry.'
You can also try using a mouth rinse that promotes saliva production or chewing sugar-free gum to help keep your mouth moist.
Ali also recommended avoiding skipping meals, even though you may not be feeling hungry.
'Nutrients like calcium and vitamin D are important for oral health,' he said. So, it's essential to continue to eat a healthy, balanced diet and not restrict your caloric intake too severely.
For most people, a healthy calorie deficit is around 300–500 calories per day.
Also, remember to brush and floss regularly and avoid acidic or sugary snacks, which can wear down tooth enamel, said Ali.
'If you've been vomiting, rinse your mouth out with water and baking soda before brushing, as this helps neutralize stomach acid,' he advised.
Austin further suggested avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, which can all worsen dry mouth.
When you should see a dentist or doctor for help
As GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro continue to rise in popularity for diabetes management and weight loss, it's important to be aware of the potential oral health complications that may come with them.
While 'Ozempic teeth' isn't a formal diagnosis, the growing number of reports about dry mouth, enamel erosion, and even tooth loss point to a real concern for many patients.
Simple steps can help protect your smile, including staying hydrated, maintaining consistent oral hygiene, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and using saliva-supporting products.
It's also crucial to speak with your healthcare team if you experience persistent nausea or vomiting or notice any dental changes.
'If you're noticing new sensitivity, bleeding gums, bad breath that won't go away, or any sudden changes like loose teeth or breakage, it's time to call your dentist,' said Ali.
If you are frequently experiencing nausea or vomiting, he said it's also a good idea to speak with the doctor managing your weight loss.
'[They] may need to adjust your dose or add something to help protect your stomach,' he said.
'The earlier we catch it, the easier it is to manage — and ideally, prevent permanent damage,' Ali said.
The bottom line? These medications can offer powerful health benefits, but being proactive about side effects ensures they don't come at the cost of your teeth.
As always, prevention and early intervention are key to keeping your oral health on track.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CBS News
25 minutes ago
- CBS News
Tiny fragment of asteroid giving Field Museum scientists a glimpse 4.6 billion years into the past
The Field Museum is the new temporary home to a tiny piece of pristine asteroid. The fragment of the asteroid Bennu, on loan from NASA, won't be on display for visitors, but will give scientists the chance to study an asteroid sample uncontaminated by Earth's atmosphere. A tiny, black fragment might not seem exciting, until a scientist explains it's a specimen from space. "It's an honor of a lifetime to be able to study this sample," said Field Museum curator Dr. Philipp Heck. How did Heck feel when the little rock first arrived at the museum and he held the vial containing the sample? "It was amazing. I was looking forward to that moment for a long time," he said. NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission was planned decades ago. In 2016, a spacecraft launched. In 2018, it arrived at Bennu, a near-Earth asteroid as wide as the Sears Tower is tall. The mission collected pieces of the asteroid and brought them back to Earth in 2023. "This is the first U.S. mission that sends a spacecraft to the asteroid and brings a sample back to Earth," said University of Chicago graduate student Yuke Zheng, who is part of the OSIRIS-REx sample analysis team. "It's a tiny, dark, black fragment that is fragile, so we want to protect it very carefully." She'll use the museum's scanning electron microscope to get an up-close look at a tiny sample of Bennu. "What struck me is how dark the sample is. I had never seen such a dark sample," Heck said. The fragment is like a time capsule, taking scientists back 4.6 billion years. "We believe Bennu contains part of the ingredients for life, and part of the ingredients of the formation of Earth," Heck said. Suddenly, a fragment at the bottom of a vial can have you pondering your place in the universe. "I've never studied a pristine sample from an asteroid," Heck said.


CBS News
27 minutes ago
- CBS News
Cook County jury awards $20.5 million to family of girl who died from toxic levels of morphine
A Cook County jury awarded more than $20 million in damages to the family of an 11-year-old girl who died from toxic levels of morphine. In October 2020, Ava Wilson was recovering from leukemia when she went for a follow-up appointment at Advocate Children's Hospital. During her appointment, she was crying from pain, and had difficulty walking, according to her family's attorneys. Lab tests revealed she had low platelet counts, low blood cell counts, high liver enzymes, and low blood pressure. She was discharged from Advocate Children's Hospital with instructions to take 15 milligrams of morphine every four hours, triple the amount of her previous prescriptions. A nurse practitioner also increased her gabapentin prescription. Approximately 36 hours after getting home, she died in her sleep from acute drug toxicity of several substances, including lethal levels of morphine in her system at the time of her death. Her family's attorneys said the hospital should have admitted Ava to the hospital to get her blood pressure under control and treat the cause of her pain, but simply sent her home with excessive pain medications. "Ava's body was yelling out to these clinicians, 'help me!', and they just ignored it," attorney Matthew Williams said. After a civil trial, a jury awarded her family $20.5 million in damages. "While nothing will ease the depth of Ava's loved ones' pain, the family appreciates that the jury recognized that Ava's death was preventable and that she should still be with them today," attorney Aaron Boeder said.


Vogue
28 minutes ago
- Vogue
In Defense of Board Shorts (Yes, the Surfer Bro Kind)
Every summer, I find myself routinely watching the surfer movie Blue Crush to get me into a beachy spirit. If you have never seen the 2002 movie starring Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez, the premise is pretty straightforward: Three roommates are busy living it up in Oahu, Hawaii as Anne Marie (Bosworth) prepares to compete in a big, important surf competition. There's all the makings of a great cinematic film along the way—a love interest, high-stakes drama—but more importantly, the summer fashion is worth tuning in for alone. If you're in need of new bathing suit inspiration Blue Crush certainly has you covered. I've always had a thing for the movie's colorful board shorts in particular: They are worn with everything from bikini tops to wetsuits. As a whole, board shorts get a bad rap. And I (sort of) understand the stigma. When you think of the, a surfer bro who says things like 'hang loose, bruhhh' likely comes to mind; a crunchy dude who exclusively wears flip-flops. Often worn baggy and below-the-knee, surfer shorts are hardly a chic, streamlined garment. But I also love a sartorial challenge—and when styled right, I actually find board shorts to be quite chic. Miu Miu spring 2024 Photo: Filippo Fior / Chanel resort 2020 Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Designers agree with me. Last spring, Miu Miu released a very surf-inspired collection that featured board shorts worn with structured blazers, thong sandals, and killer eyewear—exactly how I would style them. The beach vibe was there, yet the shorts were surprisingly sophisticated, too. Back in 2020, Chanel's resort collection matched that energy by featuring board-style shorts in summery whites—paired with perfect little nautical sweaters. It was a dressier approach to the knee-length silhouette (versus your expected swimsuit pairing). Sure, mini skirts and denim cut-offs always creep their way into the summer fray, but don't discount the power of a well-placed board short. Just remember that the current approach is about styling them with an unexpected upper half. You can wear them swimming, but they look even cooler in a non-beach context. Think: More bold fashion statement, less like you're auditioning for Blue Crush 3. (Yes, a direct-to-DVD sequel already exists.)