How GLP-1s could impact patients' oral health

While GLP-1s are widely prescribed to help manage diabetes and support weight loss, new reports have surfaced about a potential side effect known as "Ozempic teeth." The symptoms — ranging from dry mouth to more severe gum and dental issues — appear to be largely rooted in dehydration and reduced saliva production.

"All of the GLP-1 agonists that we use now cause changes in how everything is secreted in your GI tract," said Ann Marie Defnet, obesity medicine and bariatric surgery specialist at Northwell Health's North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. "And this definitely has an impact on saliva."

According to Defnet, people taking GLP-1 drugs are often mildly dehydrated because their appetite — and in turn, their thirst — tends to drop off.

People taking GLP-1 drugs also tend to be a bit dehydrated because they are often not hungry or thirsty, Defnet said.

Though Defnet hasn't personally observed widespread dental complications among her patients, she had consistently seen signs of low hydration.

"I haven't seen too many horrible cases of periodontal disease, gingivitis, or anything like that, nor have I had any patients really complaining about dry mouth," Defnet said. "But definitely I have patients all the time that [say], 'Oh yeah, I can tell I'm dehydrated.'"

"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. But if you are counseled well, and you keep up with your hydration and keep up with a balanced diet, that can really help alleviate a lot of the side effects."

Defnet also urged patients to be transparent with all healthcare providers about their medications — including their dentist. "Periodontal disease is definitely best diagnosed and treated by a dentist," she said. Even if dentists aren't prescribing GLP-1 drugs, "they should know that you're on them because it does impact your saliva and obviously could be impacting your periodontal health."

Defnet's advice: transparency matters. "It is very important to be open and honest about all of the medications you're on," she said. "Because ... there are many other medications that affect oral health as well."