Dr. Mitch Josephs
Sorry to rain on the Ozempic parade, but………
Lately, one of the most common reasons for patients canceling dental visits is for being sick to their stomachs from Ozempic type drugs.
I will paraphrase from an actual text book; not “Dr. Google” or “Dr. Chat GBT”, who are often wrong. The book: “The Medical Guide for Dentists Treating Complex Patients.” By Fang MD PHD (yes, Dr. “Fang”) and Wong Menhall MSc.
Ozempic, a medication for weight loss, can potentially impact dental health through side effects like dry mouth and acid reflux. These side effects can create an environment that increases the risk of tooth decay, gum problems, and bad breath.
The more serious side effect is Gastroparesis, a digestive disorder where the stomach doesn’t empty food at a normal rate. This can lead to various symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and feeling full quickly after eating. It’s often caused by nerve damage, particularly in the vagus nerve which regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing, and can be linked to diabetes, among other factors.
This can lead to aspiration during the dental procedure. (Breathing in tooth fragments, bone or dental restorations into the airway and lungs.)
Before dental Surgery: do not take the medications for the week prior to the procedures and no food after midnight the day before.
Renewing your gym membership might be a good idea as a backup.
Here are some points you may want to discuss:
Here’s a breakdown of the potential impact:
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):Ozempic can reduce saliva production, which is crucial for neutralizing acids, washing away food particles, and preventing bacterial growth. This can lead to increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Acid Reflux: Some individuals taking Ozempic experience acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the mouth. This acid can erode tooth enamel and irritate gums.
- Dietary Changes: Ozempic can alter eating habits, which might lead to changes in the types of foods consumed. If there’s an increase in sugary or acidic foods, it can further exacerbate dental problems.
- Dehydration: Medications like Ozempic can sometimes cause dehydration, which can also contribute to dry mouth and its associated dental issues.
- Neglected Oral Hygiene: If someone experiences side effects like nausea or fatigue, they might neglect their oral hygiene routine (brushing, flossing), which can worsen existing or potential dental problems.
What you can do:
- Communicate with your dentist and prescribing doctor: It’s essential to inform your dentist and the doctor who prescribed Ozempic about your medication and any side effects you’re experiencing.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dry mouth.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash: This can help freshen breath and reduce bacteria.
- Chew sugar-free gum: It can stimulate saliva production and help neutralize acids.
- Rinse your mouth after vomiting: This helps neutralize stomach acid.
- Consider using a humidifier: If you breathe through your mouth at night, a humidifier can help keep your mouth moist.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: These can contribute to tooth decay.
By being proactive and taking steps to manage the potential oral health side effects of Ozempic, you can help protect your smile.