By now, we’re all pretty familiar with Ozempic – and some of the side-effects it can bring. Users have reported everything from nausea to constipation and sagging skin. And now, the price of having a slender frame could come at the cost of your smile.

A phenomenon known fittingly as ‘Ozempic teeth’ has been gaining traction in recent months after users of the jabs reported a number of dental issues, including decaying teeth, bad breath, and gum disease. Experts believe this is largely down to saliva flow. Since these types of drugs work by suppressing appetite, meaning you eat less, this has a knock-on effect on the salivary glands, which some believe could lead to dental issues down the line.

In recent years, the use of semaglutide and tizepatide (marketed under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro) has exploded in popularity. Originally developed for diabetes patients, GLP-1 drugs cause people to lose a lot of weight rapidly. The injections suppress people’s appetites, causing them to feel fuller sooner. Research by Juniper suggests that one in 10 women are getting the jabs, with some 11 per cent of women aged 30 to 75 reporting using them. Celebrities that have admitted to using them include Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, Elon Musk and Sharon Osbourne.

While some weight loss injections have been proven to be effective, they can have an impact on other parts of the body. Dr Sofina Ahmed, a dentist at Viva Dental, explained that one side effect of GLP-1 jabs is dry mouth. ‘Loss of saliva can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Without enough saliva in your mouth, it can be extremely hard to wash away food particles and neutralise acids. Harmful bacteria will stay in your mouth, and increase the risk of infection as a result of the plaque build-up,’ she said.

 She adds that users of these drugs could also experience increased tooth sensitivity when eating cold, hot and sweet foods. ‘If not treated correctly, this may cause enamel erosion or receding gums, which take back the inner layers of the tooth, making it more sensitive,’ she said. ‘Users often change their diet, switching high-protein meals to low-carb meals and depending on caffeine for energy and appetite control. These changes can result in an acidic oral environment from coffee, protein fermentation and reduced chewing. Reducing foods high in fibre can cause oral stimulation and less natural teeth cleaning. An acidic pH environment softens enamel, creating the perfect conditions for cavities, ulcers, and sensitive gums.’

It’s also been suggested that nausea and vomiting, which can be a common side-effect of the jabs – can potentially cause dental problems. ‘The stomach is very acidic, and if the patients are having that acid come up into their mouth, then it really is quite damaging to the teeth,’ dentist Dr Victoria Holden told The Independent.

In fact, this side-effect was experienced by Stephen Fry, who was one of the early adopters of Ozempic. He previously said he was ‘throwing up five times a day’ when he tried it and warned fellow stars off the drug and stopped taking Ozempic after finding it made him ‘sicker and sicker’.

This isn’t the first time that Ozempic side-effects have been linked to the mouth area. Alongside teeth, some users have reported a phenomenon known as ‘ozempic mouth’, where skin sagging caused by rapid weight loss causes sagging around the cheeks and the mouth. Earlier this year, New York based cosmetic dermatologist Dr Michele Green told MailOnline that she is seeing the side-effects among many of her clients taking the medication. 

‘Many users of Ozempic who I know report noticeable volume loss in the face, which can result in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls around the mouth,’ she told the outlet. ‘This volume loss can also worsen the appearance of existing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity, contributing to a more aged smile and overall look.’

So how can you manage so-called Ozempic mouth? According to Dr Ahmed, there are some things you can do to keep this side-effect at bay. One of these is staying hydrated. She recommends drinking as much water as you can throughout the day, or adding sugar-free electrolyte tablets or hydration powder to boost your intake.

Dr Ahmed says you can also stimulate saliva production naturally by sucking on ‘xylitol mints and sugar-free gum’ or with over-the-counter saliva substituted or sprayed.’ She also recommends using high-fluoride oral care products. ‘After using a fluoride-rich toothpaste […] use a fluoride mouth rinse. Ask your dentist about a prescription for a stronger fluoride if sensitivity worsens or decay starts,’ she says. ‘Avoid acidic, sugary foods or overly processed snacks that can cause enamel and harmful bacteria. Instead, try crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery to help with natural cleaning and saliva flow.’

It’s worth remembering that health experts aren’t necessarily worried about Ozempic teeth, but unexpected dental woes are never pleasant – especially before the summer months. If you are concerned, Dr Ahmed recommends it’s best to tell your dentist you are taking ozempic. ‘This is very important as they may need to tailor any treatments from taking GLP-1 medication or have check-ups often for early symptoms of issues,’ she said.