Ozempic teeth: Dentists warn of new GLP-1 side effect

[nitpicked]

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5467385-ozempic-teeth-new-side-effect-weightloss-drugs/

Patients using Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are reporting a complication not listed among the drug’s most common side effects.
(snip)

Dentists warn they’re seeing cases of something nicknamed “Ozempic teeth.” Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can lead to dry mouth because the active ingredient, semaglutide, affects the salivary glands, explains Adam Taylor, an anatomy professor at Lancaster University, in an article for The Conversation. The medications can also cause people to drink less water because they feel less thirsty.

Those factors combined increase the risk of cavities and gum disease, explained Dr. Rajpal Anjali, a cosmetic dentist at Beverly Hills Dental Arts.

To make things worse, some people also experience side effects like acid reflux and vomiting, further harming their tooth enamel.
(snip)

[Skittles]

1. I don't take these drugs but

as someone who suffered from dry mouth for some time (prior to sinus surgery), my tips are:

have some dry mouth gel available (it is OTC), lather up before sleep

brush your teeth more often

drink a bit of water even when you're not thirsty

make sure your dentist knows your situation

[LymphocyteLover]

2. maybe why a lot of Hollywood stars are using veneers

[rubbersole]

3. Meth-heads were ahead of the times.

Hillbilly Ozempic.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Sounds like the after radiation effects I had for around 10 years following

my cancer treatment. There are many products that help with the lack of saliva available.

[PCIntern]

5. Norvasc (amlodipine) gingival hyperplasia

Is another “new” issue….

[Skittles]

7. OK I looked that up

I absolutely could not understand what they were saying, can you put it in layman's terms, thanks!

[PCIntern]

8. Norvasc can in some people

Cause the gums to somewhat overgrow with fibrous tissue. Dilantin which his prescribed for epilepsy can do that as well, sometimes dramatically.

[mwmisses4289]

6. The side effects are almost worse than the issue these drugs are trying to treat!

I know originally these drugs were for those people diagnosed with diabetes, and used under strict supervision of a doctor. I also know for those with diabetic weight gain, one of the side effects was weight loss. Then the vanity types who only thought they needed to lose weight heard about the weight loss effect, and helped create a shortage that put people who truly needed the drug at risk. But it seems the side effects are magnified in those who are only using the drug to lose weight, and I have read that many who use these drugs just to help lose weight abandon the drug within a year because the side effects are so bad.
Basically, it seems this drug is best for its original purpose, helping those who have diabetes.