A leading cosmetic dentist has warned that popular weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, may cause silent damage to dental and gum health.
Dr. Avan Saghir, founder of Space Dental Clinic, pointed out that the use of slimming drugs has shown worrying symptoms such as receding gums, yellowing of teeth, increased sensitivity, decay, and persistent bad breath, a phenomenon that doctors have dubbed “Ozambique teeth”.
He explained that the problem does not arise from the direct effect of the drug on the teeth, but rather from the environment it creates in the mouth.
With the widespread use of these drugs in recent years, with millions around the world using GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic for weight loss, experts confirm that these drugs are safe and effective when prescribed medically, but their side effects may indirectly affect oral health.
These medications slow down digestion and alter appetite, which can lead to acid reflux, vomiting, dehydration, and dry mouth. All of these factors make teeth more susceptible to erosion and decay.
When food stays in the stomach for a longer period, the likelihood of acid refluxing into the esophagus and mouth increases, gradually leading to the erosion of the outer enamel layer and the exposure of the sensitive yellow dentin underneath.
At the same time, a decrease in saliva production leads to a deficiency of protective minerals such as calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, which are needed to repair early damage to teeth, leaving teeth weaker and more prone to decay.
Dr. Avan explains, "The problem with teeth isn't caused by the medication directly attacking the teeth, but rather by the environment it creates. Dry mouth, general dehydration, vomiting, decreased appetite, and dietary changes all combine to make teeth more susceptible to erosion, sensitivity, and decay." He warns that these factors create a perfect storm for tooth damage if left untreated, but emphasizes that this damage is not inevitable and that simple steps can significantly reduce the risk.
Dr. Avan advises patients to inform their dentist that they are taking weight loss medications, because dentists cannot diagnose "Ozembek teeth" with a single glance, but they can spot worrying patterns such as new sensitivity, enamel erosion, bleeding gums, and bad breath.
It is also advisable to drink water regularly, even if your appetite is low, because GLP-1 medications reduce the feeling of hunger, which can lead to decreased fluid intake and dry mouth. Taking regular sips of water throughout the day helps restore moisture to the mouth and reduces the risk of cavities and bad breath.
For daily dental care, the doctor recommends using fluoride toothpaste twice a day, without rinsing immediately afterward, as rinsing washes away the fluoride that the enamel needs to remineralize. Leaving a thin layer of toothpaste on the teeth allows minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate to be absorbed and strengthen the outer layer.
He warns against brushing teeth immediately after vomiting, because the acid on the teeth may have weakened the outer enamel layer.
Instead, it is recommended to rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash, then wait about an hour before brushing your teeth to give the enamel a chance to remineralize
He also recommends chewing sugar-free gum, as it stimulates the flow of saliva which naturally contains fluoride, calcium, phosphate and hydroxyapatite, the building blocks teeth need to repair early damage.
Chewing a piece after meals or when experiencing dry mouth is a helpful way to combat dry mouth and freshen breath.
The doctor warns against consuming diet sodas, protein shakes, and fruit juices throughout the day, as these drinks often contain high levels of acid that erode tooth enamel and lower the pH balance in the mouth. He advises opting for plain water between meals instead.
