GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have exploded in popularity due to their promise of easy weight loss.
Unfortunately, in addition to a possibly slimmer body, those who take them have been confronted with unexpected (and “out there”) side effects.
From rebound weight loss that can only be avoided by staying on the drugs indefinitely — to pancreatitis, gastroparesis and intestinal blockage, it seems these medications might do more harm than good.
And that’s before you consider the reports that GLP-1 drugs also cause a loss of skeletal muscle mass, which makes it harder to keep the weight off, shrink cardiac cells and the heart itself and may cause vision loss.
However, as if that weren’t enough, it’s now being reported that there’s one more warning for anyone considering taking one of these drugs…
And this time, the danger is in your mouth…
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Oral health problems abound
These weight loss drugs are now being linked to cases of what’s being called “Ozempic mouth” or “Ozempic teeth.”
The most common oral problems people who take them are noticing include inflammation affecting the gums, tooth decay and even bad breath.
And doctors point out that all of these complaints can stem from one thing: dehydration, leading to a dry mouth.
“All of the GLP-1 agonists that we use now cause changes in how everything is secreted in your GI tract,” explains Ann Marie Defnet, MD, an obesity medicine physician and bariatric surgeon.
According to Dr. Defnet, this “definitely has an impact on saliva.” Although it might not be immediately apparent why these drugs would cause saliva to decrease, the process is actually pretty simple…
Basically, because GLP-1 agonists dramatically decrease hunger and often cause nausea, people taking them may also drink far less than usual, without even realizing it.
“I have patients all the time that [say], ‘Oh yeah, I can tell I’m dehydrated” Defnet says.
This can lead to complaints of a dry mouth and, over time, can result in periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Check your breath
Dehydration and dry mouth can also cause bad breath — an issue that can be made worse by the fact that people taking these drugs may eat little if any fat, putting their body into ketosis.
This can cause the breath to have a “fruity smell.”
To top it off, the nausea that comes with GLP-1 agonists can cause vomiting, which exposes the teeth to acid, which can wear down tooth enamel. It’s a downhill slide from there — which makes diligent oral care especially important.
“I think all of these sorts of symptoms, especially those in the mouth, are signs that you just need to take a little bit better care of yourself while taking these drugs,” Defnet said. “They’re definitely not completely benign. They have side effects.”
Her recommendation?
Anyone taking the drugs should do two things religiously: drink water even if you don’t think you’re thirsty, and pay close attention to your oral hygiene routine — which includes seeing a dentist regularly.
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Weight loss without the Ozempic worries
For me, that list of side effects tied to these medications goes far beyond anything I would be comfortable risking.
Especially when there are many healthier weight loss practices shown to work, without nasty side effects, such as…
- Eating more oats – Oats contain a type of fiber that mimics how Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work. Where do you think the drug manufacturers got their ideas? Oats are Mother Nature’s way of slowing digestion and helping you feel fuller longer.
- Ditching ultra-processed foods to lose twice as much without eating less – It’s easy! You can still eat moderately processed foods and experience decreased cravings and weight loss.
- An alkaline diet – Researchers led by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine analyzed a study in which adults lost 13 pounds in 16 weeks on one such diet.
There’s also been a lot of discussion about “Nature’s Ozempic” and the combination of omega-3 fatty acids and black seed oil. You can read up on them before you decide if they’re right for you.
Sources:‘Ozempic Teeth’: Another Effect of GLP-1 Agonists? – MEDPAGE TODAY
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