A Guide for Patients Taking Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®
GLP-1 medications are highly effective tools for managing weight and blood sugar. However, the ways these medications change your digestion can accidentally impact your teeth and gums. Understanding these changes helps you protect your smile.
How Your Medication Affects Your Mouth
- Less Saliva (Dry Mouth): Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleaner. When it decreases, bacteria grow faster, leading to a higher risk of cavities and bad breath.
- Acid Reflux and Nausea: These medications slow down your stomach. This can cause acid reflux or vomiting, which introduces harsh stomach acids that melt away protective tooth enamel.
- Changes in Diet: Appetite changes might alter what you eat or drink. Less nutrients or more frequent sipping on sweet drinks can harm teeth.
Your Daily Protection Plan
- Sip Water All Day: Fight dry mouth by keeping water nearby. Frequent sips wash away bacteria and keep your mouth moist.
- Wait to Brush After Acid: If you experience reflux or vomiting, do not brush your teeth right away. The acid softens enamel, and brushing can scratch it. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or baking soda mixed with water, then wait 30 minutes to brush.
- Stick to the Basics: Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque from places your brush cannot reach.
- Chew Xylitol Gum: Sugar-free gum or mints containing xylitol can stimulate saliva production and help prevent cavities.
Talk to Your Dental Team
Always tell your dentist if you start a GLP-1 medication. They can spot early signs of enamel wear or dry mouth and suggest specific prescription rinses or fluoride treatments to keep your teeth strong.