How to spot ‘Ozempic mouth' as top UK dentist reveals key warning signs
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A top Brit dentist revealed how to spot "Ozempic mouth" by exposing the key warning signs.
Thousands of people are grabbing weight loss jabs to shed fat - but ditching their sweet tooth may not save them from a trip to the dentist.
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It comes as Google searches for 'Ozempic teeth' soared by more than 1,200% over the last month.
Using medication including Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda can trigger many side effects including weight loss, loose skin, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Now Nyree Whitley, a leading UK dentist, has revealed how the jabs could also affect your oral health.
Here's FIVE "of the "Ozempic mouth" warning signs that the public has been urged to look out for.
TONGUE CHANGES
Your tastes and cravings may completely change while using the medication.
Some Celebrities have recently reported that they simply don't enjoy the taste of food like before taking a weight loss jab such as Ozempic, and this seems to be a common side effect.
Dr Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, explained: 'It is possible that for some, Ozempic may change or alter your taste.
"This could mean that you notice changes in your preferred foods or eating habits – for example, you may find that you enjoy foods you previously didn't have a hankering for, or that you stop enjoying the taste of food as much."
I LOVE my new 'Ozempic face' - it looks like I got jawline filler, I look 10 years younger AND I lost 60lbs
NAUSEA
A common side effect of taking weight loss jobs is vomiting which could cost you a trip to the dentist.
Dr Whitley explained that this is because when you're sick, your teeth are more exposed to stomach acid which could be harmful to your teeth.
Over time, stomach acid can cause erosion to the tooth's enamel, which could make you more susceptible to sensitivity and ultimately tooth decay.
If you experience tooth sensitivity while using weight loss jabs, try opting for a sensitive toothpaste.
But if this doesn't help to lessen any discomfort, contact your dentist for a check-up once you're feeling up to it just to make sure everything is ok.
Dr Whitley said: 'One common side effect of Ozempic is nausea and vomiting and while this is an unsettling feeling, I'd urge anyone suffering from this side effect to refrain from brushing their teeth until at least 30 minutes after being sick.'
Nyree continued: 'To manage discomfort and mitigate any nasty tastes that occur as a result of vomiting, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water in the first instance, and wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth or using mouthwash.
'If you don't leave enough of a gap in-between vomiting and brushing your teeth, you'll brush the acid around your teeth - and while the minty flavour will be refreshing, you'll ultimately damage your enamel, which could have a long-lasting impact on your oral health.'
DRY MOUTH
Ozempic can slow down your saliva production and flow, you may experience a dry mouth when using the weight loss jab.
This can cause health issues because if you experience a consistently dry mouth, you'll be at an increased risk of developing gum disease or tooth decay.
Nyree commented: 'Saliva plays an integral role in managing natural bacteria and pH levels in the mouth, helping to neutralise acids and keeping your teeth protected against decay.
'If you care about experiencing dry mouth as a side effect of using Ozempic, ensure you sip water little and often to encourage saliva flow.
'You can also chew on sugar-free gum to encourage saliva production, which you may find helpful.'
BAD BREATH
People using weight loss jabs might have bad breath due to their gut bacteria being thrown off balance.
A side effect can also include sulphur burps which can have an 'eggy' smell which is unpleasant.
Nyree explained: 'Ozempic slows down your digestion, your gut bacteria could also be thrown off-balance, leading to bad breath due to the increase in sulphur compounds.'
ACID REFLUX
Acid reflux is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat.
Heartburn can be very uncomfortable and it is not uncommon for it to be triggered by weight loss jabs.
Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, commented: 'Some may also experience acid reflux, whereby stomach acid can flow back into the oesophagus and into the mouth, which could contribute to the erosion of your enamel – further increasing the risk of developing cavities or tooth decay.
'The first sign of this will be sensitive teeth – if this isn't helped by sensitive toothpaste, contact your dentist for a check-up.'
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However, some individuals, including Chloe, have reported changes in their hair colour or texture whilst taking fat jabs. It appears that these observations may be influenced by factors such as diet, nutritional intake, and overall health. Social media users react Chloe's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ chlo_mckernan, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 165,200 views, 636 likes and 115 comments. Numerous other Mounjaro fat jabs. One person said: 'My hair has fallen out so much since being on Mounjaro.' Another added: 'My hair was falling out in CHUNKS, it's so scary.' A third commented: 'I've had the longest and thickest hair for years and I've lost so much hair.' Hair Loss 101 HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss. Why Does Hair Loss Happen? Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices. Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength. It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors. Why It Happens More This Time of Year Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That's seasonal shedding! During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun. As the weather cools, it's like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands. Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months. Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss The great news? You don't need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair. Try daily scalp massages—they're so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles. Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that's rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands. Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health. Products to Avoid Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time. Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly. Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons. But at the same time, one user clarified: 'It's not Mounjaro!! It's the weight loss, it will grow back.' Meanwhile, another agreed: 'Hair loss means you aren't eating enough. 'It's important to get enough calories in, otherwise you're doing as much damage as good.' Fatal consequences In addition to hair loss, those debating whether to begin using Mounjaro should know that the jabs can have fatal consequences. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and are administered every seven days. They are also available to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). The drugs can be prescribed by a practitioner - such as a doctor, nurse or a pharmacist-independent prescriber. But increasingly, we are seeing more and more people buying them through online pharmacies, without sufficient checks. Not only this, but figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency revealed that fat jabs had been linked to 82 deaths across the UK. Following the death of a man from Burton upon Trent, Staffs, who died after taking Mounjaro, his family are now calling for a probe into the jab's "potential to kill."
