Emerdency‘s Mohammed Ali explains the oral side effects of weight loss jabs known as ‘Ozempic mouth’ and how dental professionals can help to resolve and prevent them.
‘Ozempic mouth’ is an informal term that has recently been used to describe possible oral health side effects reported in some people taking GLP 1 based medicines such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. Although it is not an official diagnosis, reported symptoms include dry mouth, increased cavities, bad breath, gum inflammation, and sometimes changes in facial appearance related to rapid weight loss.
Weight loss jabs suppress appetite and slow gastric emptying, which can contribute to dehydration, changes in diet, and reduced saliva flow. Together, these factors may affect oral health. ‘Ozempic mouth’ is a media term sometimes used to describe the possible longer term oral effects linked with these behavioural and systemic changes while people are on treatment.
It is also important to remember that poorly controlled diabetes and obesity themselves increase the risk of gum disease, infections and delayed healing. For many patients, GLP 1 medicines play a key role in improving overall health, so any concerns about side effects should be discussed with the prescribing doctor rather than stopping treatment.
What oral side effects can weight loss jabs cause?
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