Dr. Ahmed Ozempic is a well-known medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes and is gaining popularity for weight loss.
While it is effective at lowering blood sugar and helping people lose weight, some new concerns are showing up in dental and cosmetic clinics: ‘Ozempic teeth’ and ‘Ozempic face.’
These casual terms describe a group of dental and facial appearance issues reported by some people using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and, more recently, Mounjaro, which is leading experts to explore the wider effects of these medications.
So, what are ‘Ozempic teeth’ and ‘Ozempic face,’ and why are more people talking about them? It is not that Ozempic directly harms your teeth or causes your face to age.
Instead, its usual side effects and the quick weight loss it often causes may create conditions that affect oral health and change the way your face looks.
The culprits behind “Ozempic teeth”
Doctors are noticing a link between semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and tooth damage, but this is not backed by solid evidence yet. Dr. Sandip Sachar, a general and cosmetic dentist, said, ‘In my practice we are seeing a correlation between patients on Ozempic and having increased dental problems.’
The primary mechanisms believed to contribute to ‘Ozempic teeth’ are:
Dry mouth (Xerostomia):
One of the most important effects of Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists is that they can lower saliva production, causing a constantly dry mouth.
Saliva is your mouth’s natural way to protect itself. It helps in several key ways, like washing away leftover food and crumbs, which would otherwise feed bacteria.
It also balances out acids, both from bacteria and acidic foods or drinks. Saliva has minerals like calcium and phosphate that help fix early damage to your teeth.
Moreover, it keeps the growth of mouth bacteria under control, helping maintain a healthy balance.
When your mouth does not make enough saliva, it becomes an ideal place for harmful bacteria to grow, greatly raising the risk of several problems.
Tooth decay (cavities) can become more common and severe because there is less acid being washed away and leftover food is not cleared as easily.
Gum disease (like gingivitis and periodontitis) is more likely too, as plaque builds up faster without enough saliva, causing gum swelling, infection, and even tooth loss if not treated.
Bad breath (halitosis) also gets worse, since bacteria love dry environments and release foul-smelling gases.
A dry mouth can also weaken your mouth’s natural defenses, making it easier to get mouth ulcers and infections like oral thrush.
Nausea and vomiting:
Many people have stomach-related side effects like nausea and sometimes vomiting, especially when they first start Ozempic or when the dose goes up.
If stomach acid often comes up into the mouth, it can cause problems for your teeth. The acid is very strong and can wear away the enamel, which makes them more likely to get cavities.
As the enamel wears down, the layer underneath, called dentin, gets exposed. This can make your teeth hurt or feel extra sensitive when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet.
Dietary changes:
Ozempic can help reduce appetite, but this might unintentionally lead some people to make food choices that impact their oral health.
Eating less may mean missing out on important nutrients needed for healthy teeth and gums. Also, if dry mouth makes chewing harder, some may prefer soft, low-fiber, or even sugary foods, which can further harm oral health.
Understanding “Ozempic face”
Rapid weight loss can affect more than just oral health, it can also change how a person’s face looks, a condition now often called ‘Ozempic face.’
Dr. Zainab Al Mukhtar highlights the facial changes dental professionals might notice in their patients and explains why it is important for them to recognize these signs and provide advice.
‘From a facial aesthetic perspective, there is often considerable facial fat loss, which cannot be accurately predicted in terms of how extensive it will be,’ she said.
‘However, what does tend to occur is the loss of fat around the buccal area and the cheeks. This can lead to increased sagging of the face, as well as hollowing in the temples and lower cheek area (buccal region), creating a sunken and saggy appearance.’
These changes can make individuals look older or more gaunt than they feel. Dr. Al Mukhtar adds,
‘Patients should be made aware that these changes can occur if they are on high doses of Ozempic for an extended period, even as short as two months may be enough to observe such effects.’
It is also important to note that Mounjaro is currently a more popular drug than Ozempic.
‘We are seeing similar facial changes with Mounjaro, particularly because the fat loss appears to occur more rapidly based on our observations.’
Addressing the concerns:
Here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your face and smile.
Hydration is paramount:
Drink small amounts of water often during the day. Keep a water bottle with you and try to stay hydrated regularly. Water helps keep your mouth from feeling dry and washes away leftover bits of food.
Stimulate saliva flow:
Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies, especially those with xylitol, because xylitol can help stop the bacteria that cause cavities.
These options can naturally boost saliva flow. Your dentist may also suggest using saliva substitutes, which you can buy over the counter or get by prescription.
Rinse after vomiting: If you throw up, do not brush your teeth right away. The acid from vomiting softens your tooth enamel, and brushing too soon can damage it more.
Instead, rinse your mouth well with plain water or a mix of one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to balance the acid. Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before you brush your teeth.
Elevate your brushing and flossing routine: Brush your teeth at least two times a day using a fluoride toothpaste, making sure to clean every surface carefully.
Floss every day to get rid of plaque and food stuck between your teeth and below the gums. You might also want to use an alcohol-free mouthwash to help keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Increase fluoride protection: Because dry mouth raises the chance of tooth decay and acid wear, talk to your dentist about extra fluoride options.
These might be fluoride mouth rinses, stronger prescription fluoride toothpaste, or fluoride treatments done at the dental office.
Addressing facial aesthetic changes: For the Ozempic face, there are solutions. As Dr. Al Mukhtar suggests, “There are ways to address these issues through skin-tightening procedures and volume restoration with hyaluronic acid fillers.“
Discuss these options with a qualified aesthetic professional who understands the nuances of weight loss-related facial changes.
The bottom line
Although ‘Ozempic teeth’ and ‘Ozempic face’ are fairly new terms, the problems they describe are well-known in dental and cosmetic care.
These issues are usually caused indirectly by GLP-1 medications, due to side effects like dry mouth, stomach upset, and fast weight loss.
Knowing how these are connected helps people using Ozempic or Mounjaro take simple steps to protect their teeth and appearance.
Good oral hygiene and, when needed, cosmetic advice can reduce the risks. Staying in touch with your dentist and aesthetic experts is key to keeping a healthy smile and look while enjoying the full health benefits of the medication.
