Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Milko
Topics: Ozempic, Health, Food and Drink
Emily Brown
A dentist has shared insight into the impacts that GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic can have on teeth after searches into the subject soared.
GLP-1 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion, and while it is naturally occurring hormone in the body, medications using the hormone can also be used to help treat type 2 diabetes.
It's this condition that the drugs are typically prescribed for, but their impact on appetite and digestion mean they are also popular with people trying to lose weight - despite the fact Ozempic hasn't been approved by the FDA for weight loss.
As members of the public continue to research the drugs and how they may affect them, a simulation revealed how Ozempic works on the body to 'activate the part of the brain that make you feel full, reducing your appetite'.
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Among the questions people have about Ozempic include whether it can have an impact on your teeth, with Google trend data cited by Hello! revealing that searches for 'Ozempic + Teeth' surged by 216 percent in just the one week.
To address this concern, dentist Dr. Sofina Ahmed of Viva Dental spoke to the publisher about how GLP-1 medications might impact your mouth and teeth.
Dr. Ahmed pointed to symptoms such as dry mouth and increased sensitivity in the mouth as results of these kinds of drugs, saying: "It can be a surprise for patients. They focus on weight loss and don’t realize how much it can affect oral health. But saliva, chewing activity, and hormonal balance all play a vital role in maintaining a healthy smile."
The use of GLP-1 medications can cause a reduction in the amount of saliva your body produces, which in turn can leave teeth vulnerable to disease and decay.
The dentist explained: "Without enough saliva, food particles and acids aren’t washed away. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive."
A dry mouth can also make fungal infections and ulcers on the tongue, gums and cheeks more likely.
Patients taking GLP-1 medications have reported increased pain when eating foods that are particularly hot, cold or sweet - and if left untreated, Dr. Ahmed warned that the impacts can 'lead to enamel erosion or receding gums'.
In turn, receding gums can then impact the look of your face overall.
The dentist explained: "Fat loss in the cheeks and jawline can cause gums to shrink and smiles to look aged or sunken."
A knock-on effect from the use of GLP-1 medications is a change of diet, including a reliance on caffeine and low carbs. However, this intake can be harmful to teeth, as the dentist said: "Caffeine, protein fermentation and fewer fibrous foods create a more acidic environment. Acid weakens enamel and raises the risk of cavities and ulcers."
Similarly, a reduction in chewing - due to a reduction in eating - can be harmful for teeth, as Dr. Ahmed said: "Chewing stimulates saliva production and helps cleanse teeth naturally. Less chewing equals faster plaque build-up."
Offering advice to patients who may be using GLP-1 medications, Dr. Ahmed encouraged people to drink water 'consistently throughout the day', potentially adding a sugar-free electrolyte tablet to help with absorption.
"A humidifier at night can also prevent overnight dryness," she said.
Sucking on mints or chewing sugar-free gum can help boost saliva production, and the use of a fluoride-rich toothpaste can also be beneficial, with the dentist recommending that patients ask professionals about a prescription toothpaste if any sensitivity or decay worsens.
Other ways to stay healthy include avoiding highly acidic and sugary snacks, considering getting a night guard to avoid grinding your teeth, and taking probiotic lozenges or oral probiotics to help restore healthy oral bacteria.
Most important, Dr. Ahmed warned people to tell your dentist if you're taking GLP-1 medications, as it can influence treatment decisions and monitoring plans.