Weight-Loss Medications' Unsightly Downsides: Foul Breath, Tooth Decay, and Persistent Dryness
Weight Loss Miracle or Healthy Headache? Exploring Ozempic and Wegovy's Unintended Consequences
These days, Ozempic and Wegovy are receiving rave reviews as top-notch weight loss solutions. But as the popularity of these drugs increases, it's becoming evident that they're affecting more than just our waistlines. From our butt to our toes, these weight loss superstars are causing a range of surprising side effects.
One of the more disturbing trends is the emergence of the infamous "Ozempic face". Users of these popular weight loss drugs are reporting a sunken, hallowed-out appearance to their faces, this is often accompanied by premature signs of aging, such as lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
You might wonder, what's causing all this mayhem? The culprit is semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. Instead of localizing its effects on the fat we want to lose, it targets all our body's fat – including the one stored in our faces.
But it's not just our faces that are taking a hit. Ozempic and Wegovy could also be punishing our mouth and teeth, potentially leading to permanent damage.
The Devil in the Details
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Dry mouth is one of the most reported side effects from semaglutide. The cause? It messes with our salivary glands by reducing saliva production. This reduces the moisture in our mouth and encourages bacteria that cause bad breath and cavities to thrive.
Why does this happen, you ask? Semaglutide seems to make saliva stickier, reducing the fluid that keeps our mouth wet. Not only that, it also affects areas in the brain responsible for thirst, reducing our water intake even further. This, combined with lower saliva production, can create a thick, frothy saliva and a sticky tongue – inviting bad breath to move in.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Semaglutide users commonly report having bad breath. The lower saliva flow creates the perfect environment for bacteria that contribute to bad breath and cavities to bloom. One of these bacteria species is Streptococcus mutans, while others include certain strains of Lactobacillus.
Porphyromonas gingivalis, another nasty bacteria, also loves to thrive in conditions where saliva production is reduced. This bacteria is a significant contributor to the production of volatile sulphur compounds that cause the foul odours typical of halitosis.
But wait, it gets worse. Since less saliva leads to less cleaning of the tongue, bacteria have a field day with our oral hygiene, growing and producing odours like nobody's business. Look closely at some people's tongues when they're taking semaglutide, and you may see a furry or coated appearance – a clear indication of a bacterial build-up.
The Dangers Lurking Await
One of the major side effects of Ozempic is vomiting. This happens because the drug slows down our body's digestion process, leading to a build-up of stomach acid, bloating, nausea, and, inevitably, vomiting. But what's all this vomiting doing to our teeth?
Repeated vomiting can damage our teeth. Stomach acid, primarily composed of hydrochloric acid, erodes tooth enamel over time. If this goes on for months or years, the damage can be severe, and the negative effects might not be noticeable to the sufferer. Interestingly, the back surface of our teeth closest to the tongue is more likely to see significant damage.
Vomiting not only damages our teeth but also reduces the amount of fluid in our bodies. Combine this with reduced saliva production, and our teeth become even more susceptible to damage. Saliva helps neutralize the acid that causes dental damage, and it also contributes to the dental pellicle, a protective layer that saliva forms on our teeth.
Tooth-saving Strategies
So, what can you do to keep your mouth healthy if you're taking semaglutide? Here are some tips:
- Stay hydrated: Sip water regularly throughout the day to keep your mouth from drying out and preserve your oral microbiome.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth regularly, reduce your intake of acidic foods and sugary drinks, and use a mouthwash to protect your teeth and maintain your oral health.
- Consider probiotics: Some evidence suggests that probiotics can help alleviate bad breath in the short term, so consider adding probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods, like yoghurt or kefir, to your diet.
Women are twice as likely to experience side effects when taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. To avoid vomiting, try eating smaller meals since your stomach stays fuller for longer while taking semaglutide. If you're sick, avoid brushing your teeth immediately, as this will spread the stomach acid over your teeth and increase the risk of damage. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to reduce the strength of the acid and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
It's uncertain how long these side effects last, but they usually diminish once the medication is stopped. However, any damage to your teeth is permanent.
- The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide, not only affects body fat but also targets the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production and dry mouth (xerostomia).
- Reduced saliva production due to semaglutide encourages the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath (halitosis) and cavities, with species like Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis thriving in this environment.
- Repeated vomiting, a side effect of Ozempic, caused by slowed digestion, can lead to tooth damage as stomach acid erodes tooth enamel, with the back surface of teeth being particularly susceptible.
- To maintain oral health while taking semaglutide, it's recommended to stay hydrated, practice good oral hygiene, consider probiotics, eat smaller meals, and avoid brushing teeth immediately after vomiting; instead, rinse mouth with water or mouthwash to reduce acid strength and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
