Buccal up!
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro can be a wild ride — users may experience dramatic weight loss and a sharp drop in appetite but also fierce bouts of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
There’s one possible complication that shouldn’t be brushed off. GLP-1 meds, which promote feelings of fullness by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, can significantly impact oral health.
This phenomenon is known as “Ozempic mouth” or “Ozempic teeth.”
“Much of this revolves around the side effect of dry mouth,” Dr. Elizabeth Walton, co-founder and clinical director of Risas Kids Dental in Phoenix, told The Post.
“With dry mouth, you have increased likelihood of dental decay and periodontal disease.”
Walton fills us in on ways that Ozempic-like drugs can menace the mouth — and how to get to the root of the issue.
Saliva takes a lickin’
Saliva neutralizes acid, washes away food particles and remineralizes tooth enamel, providing a lot of natural protection against sugars in our mouths.
GLP-1 drugs can influence salivary gland function and decrease saliva production. They are also known to reduce thirst, further diminishing saliva production.
“When the oral environment dries up, bacteria have a great time in there, causing decay and increased inflammatory response,” Walton explained.
“The increased inflammatory response has a direct impact on gingival health — meaning you are more likely to have problems with gingivitis and periodontitis.”
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis is a more advanced and destructive form of gum disease.
Dry mouth symptoms can range from mild to rather severe. To avoid having to undergo a painful deep cleaning or gum surgery, Walton’s top tip is to drink more water.
She recommends consuming between 2 and 3 liters of H2O a day, which translates to about 64 to 100 ounces. Sugar-free gum also helps promote saliva production.
Biotène, meanwhile, offers a range of products designed to help manage dry mouth symptoms, including a mouth spray, oral rinse, moisturizing gel and lozenges.
“I found the Biotène gel to be best,” Walton said. “But I had to carry it with me because the effects only lasted a short period of time.”
GLP-1 users should also avoid dehydrating foods and beverages like caffeinated drinks, alcohol, sports refreshments, salty foods, cured meats, asparagus and sugary juices.
And beware spicy foods, which can irritate a dry mouth.
Battle of the bowl
Another issue with GLP-1 drugs is that they can cause intense gastrointestinal struggles.
“Nausea and vomiting have a massive impact on oral health, just like dry mouth,” Walton said.
“After you vomit, the pH in your mouth decreases significantly enough to make you more susceptible to decay.”
She suggests not brushing your teeth after you vomit. Yes, you read that right.
Saliva continuously produces a natural protective barrier for your teeth called the dental pellicle.
Brushing your teeth brushes that away, making your teeth even more vulnerable to the newly acidic environment of your mouth.
Acidic substances can be quite harmful, eroding the protective enamel of your teeth and paving the way for increased sensitivity, discoloration and a higher risk of cavities.
“It takes between one to two hours for the pH in your mouth to regain optimal levels after vomiting,” Walton said.
“So, if you get sick, rinse with water,” she added. “Drink a lot of water — you will be dehydrated anyway because of the medication and now you just puked — and brush your teeth after a couple hours.”
An acquired taste
And finally, GLP-1 drugs can cause changes in taste.
Food may not taste as good as it used to — or the meds leave a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, which is known as “Ozempic tongue.”
“Some of these symptoms will not go away, but luckily, you won’t be taking the GLP-1 forever,” Walton said.
The metallic taste may be due to changes in saliva production, mild ketosis or bile reflux. Walton advises sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and “confuse your brain out of perceiving the metal taste.”
Remember to talk with your healthcare provider about any side effects you experience while taking GLP-1 drugs.
“To be successful in your weight loss, you should enlist as much support as possible,” Walton said. “Don’t forget your dentist! We can help it be easier and safer for you.”
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