Doctors are reporting a concerning new side effect of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic: 'Ozempic teeth'. This condition involves receding gums, sensitive teeth, yellowing, bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. The cause is believed to be acid reflux, a common consequence of these medications.
Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, leading to food remaining in the stomach longer. This increases the risk of stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus and mouth. The acid damages tooth enamel. Additionally, these drugs can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), reducing saliva's protective effects.
Several celebrities, including Amy Schumer, Chelsea Handler, Sharon Osbourne, and others, have reported experiencing nausea and other gastrointestinal issues while using these medications.
To mitigate dental problems, doctors recommend:
The article also mentions other side effects associated with Ozempic and similar drugs, including 'Ozempic feet', 'Ozempic face', and 'Ozempic butt', highlighting the potential for various aesthetic and health consequences related to rapid weight loss.
You might have less reason to smile after shedding piles of weight while taking Ozempic.Â
Experts are warning of yet another horrifying side effect of the drug: 'Ozempic teeth.'
Receding or sensitive gums, yellowing teeth, bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease are among the distressing symptoms.
New York-based obesity medicine specialist Dr Daniel Rosen told the Daily Mail the unpleasant outcomes are the result of acid reflux caused by GLP-1 drugs.
The medication makes people feel full by slowing down the rate of digestion, which can lead to food remaining in the stomach for longer periods.
The longer it sits, the higher risk there is of stomach acid backflowing into the esophagus.Â
Dr Rosen said:Â 'Many people say they experience the taste of stomach acid in the back of their throat known as water brash.
'Not only can be unpleasant and alter the taste and enjoyment of food, but it can also lead to tooth decay.'
The acid in stomach content, when it refluxes into the mouth, can weaken and dissolve the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay.
Experts are warning of yet another horrifying side effect of weight loss medications: 'Ozempic teeth.' Acid reflux and vomiting caused by Ozempic are triggers for deteriorating dental health. Amy Schumer (pictured) previously told how the medication made her feel sick
Chelsea Handler: The comedian shared that she unknowingly took Ozempic after her anti-aging doctor prescribed it, and she also experienced nausea
Meanwhile, cosmetic dermatologist Dr Michele Green said she has also seen many clients on Ozempic suffering from the same problem.
She said that along with acid reflux, vomiting and a lack of saliva caused by Ozempic are other triggers for deteriorating dental health.
The aesthetician said: 'Anecdotal reports suggest that Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs may cause dry mouth.
'Ozempic might reduce saliva production, diminishing the mouth's natural ability to cleanse the teeth.'
It can cause reduced saliva production - a condition known as xerostomia - due to its effects on the digestive system and potential to dehydrate the body.Â
Dr Green added: 'Saliva is crucial for protecting teeth, as it helps remove food particles, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, and provides essential minerals that strengthen tooth enamel.
'When saliva levels are insufficient, the risk of cavities and tooth decay significantly increases.'
Along with dry mouth, vomiting is another side effect many Ozempic patients report.Â
Even celebrities have opened up about this unpleasant complication, with Amy Schumer, Chelsea Handler and Sharon Osbourne being among the victims.Â
As the medication slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, it can lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea and throwing up.
This slowed gastric emptying helps with blood sugar control and can promote feelings of fullness, contributing to weight loss.
Along with dry mouth, vomiting is another side effect many Ozempic patients report. Even celebrities have opened up about this unpleasant complication, with Sharon Osbourne and Caroline Stanbury being among the victims
However, keeping food in the stomach for longer than usual can disrupt normal digestion and lead to gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting.
Dr Green said: 'Vomit has a high concentration of stomach acid, which can strip the teeth of their enamel if vomiting is a common occurrence.'
But the experts highlight that there are measures people can take while on weight loss drugs to help prevent dental decay.Â
Florida-based cosmetic dentist Dr Jenny Perna advises drinking lots of water if you find yourself vomiting while on weight loss drugs.Â
Then, she recommends rinsing your teeth with a mouthwash containing fluoride, which has a naturally found mineral that is known to strengthen enamel and reduce cavities.Â
Dr Perna added: 'Although you maybe tempted, do not brush your teeth until it's been 30 minutes since you've thrown up.Â
'Cleaning your teeth too soon can actually strip away your enamel even more.'Â
Cosmetic specialist Dr Green said 'staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water can also help combat dry mouth and encourage saliva production again'.
Ozempic teeth is just the latest body part to be warped because of the rapid and drastic weight-loss turbocharged by Ozempic and similar drugs.
2024 vs 2018: Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dolores Catania suffered nausea while taking weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro
Dr Barry Weintraub, a New York-based board certified plastic surgeon, previously told DailyMail.com a loss of fat can impact water retention in the body and cause excessive sagging in the feet.Â
Fans speculated stars like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey - both of whom have admitted to taking weight-loss dugs - were among the first to show signs of the surprising side effect deemed 'Ozempic feet'.
'Ozempic face' has increasingly been seen on celebrities, who look gaunt with sunken eyes, hollow cheekbones and sagging faces.
Katy Perry, Scott Disick and Jessica Simpson have all been labeled as suffering from the side effect after fans noticed their slimmed-down looks while the stars were out and about.
Additionally, the term 'Ozempic butt' has been coined to describe the deflated look of a person's buttocks after GLP-1 weight loss.
Some users who have lost large amounts of weight said their backsides have now 'completely disappeared' and shrunk so much they can 'feel every bone'.
Some even said the problem was so bad they were constantly covering up their buttocks because they are self conscious of the way it looks.
Dr Green highlights that Ozempic teeth can be difficult to spot on celebrities, as many stars have veneers to achieve that Hollywood smile.Â
She concludes: 'Unlike Ozempic face, Ozempic teeth are not as obvious visually. There are a number of reasons for this.Â
'Many people will experience tooth decay and cavities in their molars, which are not visible in photographs.Â
'Additionally, many celebrities can afford veneers that do not get damaged in the same way as normal teeth, making it difficult to identify celebrities with Ozempic teeth.'
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