Weight Loss Medications' Unpleasant Drawbacks: Odorous Breath, Deteriorated Teeth, and Parched Mouth
In recent times, the use of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy has become increasingly popular. However, these medications may pose potential risks to oral health, particularly in relation to tooth damage and bad breath.
The active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide, can lead to a condition known as dry mouth (xerostomia). This occurs due to reduced saliva production, which is a significant risk factor for oral health issues. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. When saliva is diminished, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases, potentially leading to tooth damage over time[4].
One major contributor to tooth damage in patients using these drugs is vomiting, which can occur as a side effect due to slowed stomach emptying and gastrointestinal distress caused by semaglutide. Vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, eroding enamel and damaging teeth. Combined with dry mouth, this can exacerbate dental erosion and sensitivity[4].
Dry mouth can also promote bad breath because saliva helps cleanse the mouth and control bacteria. When saliva is reduced, bacterial growth increases, potentially leading to bad breath[4].
While gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are common early side effects and tend to improve over time, their oral health consequences may persist, especially if dry mouth remains untreated[1][3]. No direct long-term studies specifically focus on tooth damage or bad breath from these medications yet, but the mechanisms described suggest these are realistic concerns.
Patients using Ozempic or Wegovy should be mindful of these risks and maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and regularly consult their dentist for preventive care. Simple measures such as drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum, and brushing teeth regularly can help protect teeth. Additionally, reducing acidic foods and sugary drinks, using a mouthwash, and practising good basic oral hygiene can further help prevent oral health problems.
References: [1][3][4]
Additional context: - Gums containing eucalyptus may help to prevent halitosis. - To avoid vomiting, try eating smaller meals while taking semaglutide. - Women are twice as likely to have side-effects when taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting. - Less saliva production due to semaglutide may also lead to a "furry" or coated appearance of the tongue, indicating a buildup of bacteria. - Any damage to teeth due to medication side-effects is permanent. - Prolonged exposure to stomach acid can erode the enamel of the teeth, with the back surface (palatal surface) being more susceptible to damage. - Drinking the recommended daily amount of six to eight glasses of water helps the body produce the saliva needed to prevent dry mouth. - Repeated vomiting, a side-effect of Ozempic, can damage the teeth due to exposure to stomach acid. - Semaglutide may also affect the mouth and teeth, causing dry mouth (xerostomia) due to reduced saliva production. - Dry mouth caused by semaglutide can encourage bacteria that contribute to bad breath and cavities to thrive. - There's some evidence that probiotics may help alleviate bad breath. - Damage to teeth due to repeated vomiting may not be immediately noticeable to the sufferer. - Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, affects the body's fat distribution, including in the face, leading to changes in appearance.
- The use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide, can potentially lead to dry mouth (xerostomia), a condition that may increase the risk of oral health issues.
- Dry mouth, a side effect of these medications, can promote bacterial growth, potentially leading to bad breath.
- Slowed stomach emptying and gastrointestinal distress caused by semaglutide can lead to vomiting, which exposes teeth to stomach acid and may cause tooth damage over time.
- To prevent oral health problems, patients using Ozempic or Wegovy should maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and consult their dentist regularly for preventive care.
- In addition to regular dental check-ups, simple measures like drinking water regularly, chewing sugar-free gum, and brushing teeth regularly can help protect teeth from medication-related damage.
