A new warning is emerging for people taking popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy: your teeth might pay the price.
Dentists say they’re seeing more patients with what’s being called “Ozempic teeth.” The issue isn’t officially listed among the drug’s common side effects, but it’s showing up enough to raise red flags.
The problem? These drugs can dry out your mouth.
“Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can lead to dry mouth because the active ingredient, semaglutide, affects the salivary glands,” said Adam Taylor, an anatomy professor at Lancaster University, writing in The Conversation.
Taylor added that people taking these drugs often drink less water because they feel less thirsty. That combination—less saliva and less water—creates the perfect storm for dental problems.
Without enough saliva, your mouth can’t wash away bacteria. That raises the risk of cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
To make matters worse, many users also deal with side effects like acid reflux and vomiting, both of which can damage teeth even further.
Stars like Chelsea Handler and fellow comedian Amy Schumer have spoken about the effects they had from using Ozempic.
“My anti-aging doctor just hands it out to anybody,” Handler said.
Schumer said she was “bedridden” from taking Ozempic.
“I was vomiting and then you have no energy but other people take it and they’re all good,” she said on The Howard Stern Show this year.
“Most users tolerate GLP-1 medications like Ozempic without serious oral health issues, but a subset experience notable side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting, which can indirectly affect teeth and gums,” said Dr. Rajpal Anjali, a cosmetic dentist at Beverly Hills Dental Arts.
She pointed out the signs to watch for: dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, visible enamel loss, and slower healing after dental work. In some cases, gums may begin to recede, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
“Dentists should also be aware of these potential risks and monitor patients accordingly, especially in the first few months after starting the medication,” Anjali added.
And here’s the catch—once the damage is done, it may not be reversible, even if you stop taking the drug.
So what can you do?
Taylor recommends a simple fix: drink more water. It’s also smart to chew sugar-free gum to help kick your saliva glands into gear if you’re dealing with dry mouth.
And if you’re on Ozempic or any GLP-1 drug, tell your dentist. You might need extra care to protect your smile.
To avoid these dental risks, some users are turning to natural supplements for weight loss and metabolic health.
