Is Ozempic Harming Your Teeth? Exploring Its Dental Side Effects

The miracle weight-loss drug Ozempic, celebrated for shedding pounds and taming diabetes, is now raising eyebrows—and dental concerns. While it’s not directly drilling holes in your teeth, some users are reporting a not-so-pearly side effect: dental woes. From dry mouth to gum irritation and even tooth decay, the buzz on social media is hard to ignore.

Why the dental drama? Experts point to side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and acid reflux as potential culprits. Dr. Ricky Marshall, a dentist from Arizona, notes that dry mouth—reported by many Ozempic users—creates a perfect storm for plaque buildup, leading to cavities and sensitivity. Add to that the increased stomach acid from slowed digestion, which can trigger acid reflux or vomiting. When that acid hits your teeth, it’s like inviting decay to a buffet.

No hard proof—yet. There’s no scientific smoking gun linking Ozempic to dental issues, but the anecdotal evidence is piling up. Dr. Whitney White from Aspen Dental in Las Vegas hasn’t seen these issues in her practice but urges patients to disclose all medications, as they can contribute to oral health problems.

What can you do? For acid reflux, antacids might help neutralize stomach acid, but they’re not a long-term fix. To combat dry mouth, try chewing sugarless gum or sipping water to keep saliva flowing. And maybe take your meds in the morning—nighttime dry mouth is a cavity’s best friend.

As Ozempic and similar drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro keep reshaping waistlines, they might also be reshaping dental checkups. So, keep brushing, stay hydrated, and maybe don’t skip that dentist appointment.