As more people turn to popular weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, a fresh concern is taking root—not about how these drugs affect waistlines, but how they might impact teeth and gums.
These medications, part of a group known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are designed to mimic a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and suppresses appetite. While originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, their dramatic weight loss effects have made them a sensation. In the U.S. alone, spending on these injections reached a staggering $71 billion in 2023, nearly matching the country’s entire foreign aid budget. In the UK, new figures suggest that over 10 percent of women are now using GLP-1 jabs, with around half a million people accessing them through private prescriptions.
As the drugs become more mainstream, doctors and dentists are paying closer attention to their possible side effects. Beyond the now-familiar term “Ozempic face,” referring to the sunken facial appearance linked to rapid weight loss, there’s growing chatter about something called “Ozempic teeth.”
The nickname may be catchy, but it’s misleading. Ozempic is just one brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug. It isn’t even licensed for weight loss in the UK—Wegovy is the version used for that purpose. Other common brands include Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). All of these medications come with possible downsides, and oral health might be among them.
Dentists have started to report concerns that the drugs could cause dry mouth, vomiting-related erosion, and reduced oral hygiene—especially in patients who are struggling with nausea, one of the most common side effects. Some also note that people eating less may not be getting the nutrients needed to support healthy teeth and gums.
So far, though, there’s no hard evidence. The British Dental Association (BDA) cautions against jumping to conclusions. Dr. Praveen Sharma, a scientific adviser to the BDA and a professor at the University of Birmingham, says that while anecdotes and early warning signs are being noted, long-term data on how these medications affect dental health is still missing. “Ozempic mouth,” as some are calling it, hasn’t been officially recognised as a condition.
This caution hasn’t stopped public speculation or personal testimonies. Some users report increased sensitivity, gum issues, or even teeth becoming loose, though there’s no clinical study to directly link the drugs to these symptoms. Experts say it’s possible that rapid weight loss, combined with less food intake, could create conditions where oral health suffers—but more research is needed to know for sure.
In the meantime, dentists advise patients using weight loss injections to be extra careful with oral hygiene. Staying hydrated, brushing regularly, and keeping up with dental check-ups are basic steps that could help offset potential risks. Patients experiencing persistent mouth issues are urged to talk to their dentist or GP.
As GLP-1 drugs continue to rise in popularity, so too does the need for clear information on their full range of effects—not just for body weight, but for overall health. For now, the story of Ozempic teeth remains more question than answer.