How to combat Ozempic mouth and Ozempic enamel:…
Buccal up!
GLP-1 medication like Ozempic and Mounjaro will be a wild experience — customers could expertise dramatic weight loss and a sharp drop in urge for food but also fierce bouts of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
There’s one potential complication that shouldn’t be dismissed. GLP-1 meds, which promote emotions of fullness by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, can considerably affect oral health.
This phenomenon is understood as “Ozempic mouth” or “Ozempic teeth.”
Dr. Elizabeth Walton of Risas Kids Dental in Phoenix reveals how to stop “Ozempic mouth” and “Ozempic teeth.” Courtesy of Risas Kids Dental
“Much of this revolves around the side effect of dry mouth,” Dr. Elizabeth Walton, co-founder and medical director of Risas Kids Dental in Phoenix, instructed The Post.
“With dry mouth, you have increased likelihood of dental decay and periodontal disease.”
Walton fills us in on methods that Ozempic-like medication can menace the mouth — and how to get to the foundation of the difficulty.
Saliva takes a lickin’
Saliva neutralizes acid, washes away food particles and remineralizes tooth enamel, offering a lot of natural safety against sugars in our mouths.
GLP-1 medication can affect salivary gland perform and lower saliva manufacturing. They are also recognized to cut back thirst, additional diminishing saliva manufacturing.
Gingivitis (seen right here) is irritation of the gums, while periodontitis is a more extreme kind of gum illness. Dirk – stock.adobe.com
“When the oral environment dries up, bacteria have a great time in there, causing decay and increased inflammatory response,” Walton defined.
“The increased inflammatory response has a direct impact on gingival health — meaning you are more likely to have problems with gingivitis and periodontitis.”
Gingivitis is irritation of the gums, while periodontitis is a more superior and damaging kind of gum illness.
Dry mouth symptoms can vary from gentle to relatively extreme. To keep away from having to endure a painful deep cleansing or gum surgical procedure, Walton’s prime tip is to drink more water.
She recommends consuming between 2 and 3 liters of H2O a day, which interprets to about 64 to 100 ounces. Sugar-free gum also helps promote saliva manufacturing.
Biotène, meanwhile, gives a vary of merchandise designed to help handle dry mouth symptoms, including a mouth spray, oral rinse, moisturizing gel and lozenges.
Walton recommends consuming between 2 and 3 liters of water a day to combat dry mouth. Stock 4 You – stock.adobe.com
“I found the Biotène gel to be best,” Walton stated. “But I had to carry it with me because the effects only lasted a short period of time.”
GLP-1 customers ought to also keep away from dehydrating meals and drinks like caffeinated drinks, alcohol, sports activities refreshments, salty meals, cured meats, asparagus and sugary juices.
And beware spicy meals, which may irritate a dry mouth.
Battle of the bowl
Another subject with GLP-1 medication is that they’ll trigger intense gastrointestinal struggles.
“Nausea and vomiting have a massive impact on oral health, just like dry mouth,” Walton stated.
“After you vomit, the pH in your mouth decreases significantly enough to make you more susceptible to decay.”
Nausea and vomiting are common unwanted side effects of GLP-1 medication like Ozempic. Dragana Gordic – stock.adobe.com
She suggests not brushing your enamel after you vomit. Yes, you learn that proper.
Saliva constantly produces a natural protecting barrier for your enamel referred to as the dental pellicle.
Brushing your enamel brushes that away, making your enamel even more susceptible to the newly acidic surroundings of your mouth.
Acidic substances will be fairly dangerous, eroding the protecting enamel of your enamel and paving the best way for elevated sensitivity, discoloration and a increased risk of cavities.
“It takes between one to two hours for the pH in your mouth to regain optimal levels after vomiting,” Walton stated.
“So, if you get sick, rinse with water,” she added. “Drink a lot of water — you will be dehydrated anyway because of the medication and now you just puked — and brush your teeth after a couple hours.”
An acquired style
And finally, GLP-1 medication may cause adjustments in style.
Food could not style as good as it used to — or the meds go away a metallic or bitter style in your mouth, which is understood as “Ozempic tongue.”
Ozempic and related medication can deliver main weight loss as effectively as dangerous unwanted side effects. Getty Images
“Some of these symptoms will not go away, but luckily, you won’t be taking the GLP-1 forever,” Walton stated.
The metallic style could also be due to adjustments in saliva manufacturing, gentle ketosis or bile reflux. Walton advises sugar-free gum to increase saliva manufacturing and “confuse your brain out of perceiving the metal taste.”
Remember to speak with your healthcare supplier about any unwanted side effects you expertise while taking GLP-1 medication.
“To be successful in your weight loss, you should enlist as much support as possible,” Walton stated. “Don’t forget your dentist! We can help it be easier and safer for you.”
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