GLP-1 Medications and Your Oral Health —What You Need to Know
If you are taking a GLP-1 medication (Saxenda, Wegovy or Mounjaro) — you are likely already familiar with the more talked-about side effects like nausea, changes in appetite, and digestive upset. We cover these in some of our earlier blogs. What is less commonly discussed, however, is the impact these medications can have on your oral health.
At Nutrition Care, we want to make sure you have the full picture so you can take care of your whole body while on this treatment — and that includes your teeth and gums.
What causes changes to my oral health?
At this stage we aren’t 100% certain but there are lots of theories coming together. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone with roles that include helping to regulate blood sugar and appetite. While they don’t directly damage teeth some of the changes that happen when you use them may end up affecting your oral health. There is even a name for it online - “Ozempic teeth” Although it is not a formal diagnosis, it has become a widely used term to describe the dental issues some people experience while on these medications.
The most commonly reported oral side effect is dry mouth (known medically as xerostomia). This is due to a reduction in saliva output (hyposalivation) and is likely to be multifactorial, a combination of something the medication might be doing directly to reduce saliva production along with any reduction in fluid intake. When your appetite is suppressed and you are eating and drinking less this puts you at greater risk of dehydration. Many people on GLP-1 medications also find their sense of thirst is reduced. This makes regular fluid intake even more important.
Saliva is far more important than most people realise — it neutralises acids in your mouth, washes away bacteria and food particles, and helps repair and protect your enamel. Without enough of it your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath goes up significantly.
Some people also report changes in taste or describe a metallic or sour taste persisting – this is known medically as dysgeusia.
GLP-1 medications also slow down how quickly your stomach empties and so for people who already have problems with reflux (sometimes known as GERD) this can become worse.
Others may experience nausea and vomiting — especially when first starting the medication or after a dose increase. For most people this only lasts a short time, not happening enough to begin to affect our teeth. But when stomach acid reaches your teeth repeatedly, it begins to dissolve enamel. Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel cannot regenerate once it is gone. This can leave teeth sensitive, discoloured, and increasingly prone to decay and fractures.
Reduced appetite leading to poor nutritional intake — particularly lower calcium, vitamin D, and protein — can affect the strength and health of teeth and gums over time. If you are using these medications for longer periods then the quality of your diet becomes even more important to make sure you choosing the right foods to meet your nutrient needs.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your oral health while on these medications. Here are the key things to focus on:
Stay well hydrated. This is the single most important thing you can do. Aim to sip water consistently throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your goal should be at least 2-3 litres every day with water as your first choice. Carrying a water bottle as a reminder can be really helpful. Staying hydrated supports saliva production and reduces your risk of dry mouth.
Rinse after vomiting — but do not brush straight away. If you do vomit then rinse your mouth with water or a mix of water and baking soda to neutralise the stomach acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, as brushing immediately after acid exposure can cause more damage to softened enamel.
Stimulate saliva naturally. Chewing xylitol gum or xylitol lozenges (available at most pharmacies) helps stimulate saliva flow and has added cavity-protective benefits. Over-the-counter dry mouth sprays, rinses, and gels are also worth trying if dry mouth is a regular issue for you (but avoid any that contain alcohol as this is naturally drying).
Keep up with regular brushing. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily. If enamel sensitivity is a concern, a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help. Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Calcium and vitamin D support oral health long-term. Appetite suppression can make it easy to miss out on these vital nutrients as we have discussed earlier in this series.
Avoid things that make a dry mouth worse. Specifically tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. Reducing or eliminating these will help too.
Tell your dentist you are on a GLP-1 medication. They will know how these medications affect your oral health and so can watch for early signs of decay or enamel changes. They may recommend a change to more frequent check-ups if needed. Also let them know if you are noticing any new sensitivity or changes in your mouth.
A Note From Us
GLP-1 medications can be a really valuable tool for some people to help to manage aspects of their health. But as with many medications they come with potential side effects. The better informed you are about these side effects and what you can do to about them, the easier it is to limit the impact of these effects and then get the best out of the medications.
If you have questions about how to eat well while on a GLP-1 medication, or you are concerned that your nutritional intake is not supporting your overall health, we would love to hear from you. Our team of registered dietitians in Hamilton can work with you to make sure your nutrition is working alongside your medication, not against it. Get in touch with the team, we would be happy to help.