The weird way GLP-1s affect your teeth

GLP-1s are notorious for their side effects. The main thing they’re known for these days—weight loss—is actually a side effect. (A reminder: GLP-1s were developed originally to help regulate blood sugar for people with diabetes, and then started to get prescribed off-label because of their weight loss effects.)

It’s not just weight loss, though. GLP-1s are known for their penchant for causing all kinds of gastrointestinal chaos, leading to nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. But, did you know that they can affect your teeth, too?

Meet the expert: Chloe Tsang, DMD, is a dentist at Tend in New York City.

Here’s what you need to know about how the meds impact your oral health, according to a dentist.

The Oral GLP-1 Side Effects

It turns out, most of the oral side effects of GLP-1s are a result of those pesky GI ones. “Many reported oral effects appear to be secondary to the gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 therapy rather than direct oral toxicity,” says Chole Tsang, DMD, a dentist at Tend in New York City. Basically, being dehydrated and throwing up are not good for your teeth either.

According to Tsang, the most common oral GLP-1 side effects include:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Enamel erosion
• Dental cavities
• Tooth sensitivity
• Gingival inflammation
• Taste disturbances (dysguesia)

The most common side effect—dry mouth—is likely caused by a few things, Tsang says. “GLP-1s cause significant dehydration through nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,” she explains. Reduced saliva means your mouth has a tougher time maintaining proper pH, supporting enamel, clearing bacteria, and preventing candidiasis—setting the stage for a bunch of other problems.

Compound that with the enamel erosion that can come from vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux (all of which can be caused by a GLP-1), and your mouth is more likely to experience things like cavities, tooth sensitivity, gingival inflammation, and taste disturbances. So, yeah, there’s a lot that can go wrong inside your mouth when taking a GLP-1.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Teeth Healthy on a GLP-1

Some good news: There are things you can do to protect your oral health while on a GLP-1. Here’s what you should prioritize, according to Tsang.

• Stay Hydrated: “Increasing water intake is the single most important countermeasure,” Tsang says. It’s your first line of defense against dry mouth. The best way to do this—unsurprisingly—is by sipping water throughout the day. Alcohol-free mouth rinses can also help maintain moisture, and sugar-free lozenges, xylitol gum, and over-the-counter saliva substitutes can too.
• Brush Your Teeth Well: Brushing your teeth morning and night has never been more important. Tsang recommends using a fluoride toothpaste, a gentle brushing technique, and flossing regularly. Just remember that right after vomiting or a reflux episode, you’re going to want to rinse with water or a baking soda solution before brushing.

• Pay Attention to What You Eat: Avoid acidic foods and beverages, minimize sugary snacks, and follow the GLP-1-recommended approach of eating smaller, more frequent meals, Tsang says.
• Manage Reflux: If you’re someone who develops GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers should be considered, Tsang says. “Controlling acid exposure is essential for preventing enamel erosion,” she says. You can also avoid eating close to bedtime and elevating the head of the bed to help minimize risk of an episode.

When to Bring These Symptoms Up to Your Doctor

It’s never too soon to tell a medical professional if you’re experiencing any side effects when you’re on a GLP-1, and your dentist is no exception. It’s actually important they know right up top if you’re on one. “Patients should inform their dentist that they are taking a GLP-1 as part of their medical intake, as this is relevant to risk assessment,” Tsang says.

Stay Strong on a GLP-1 With the WH+ GLP-1 Strength Plan.

Some side effects that are definitely worth mentioning to your dentist are: dry mouth lasting more than two weeks (if it’s accompanied by difficulty swallowing, speaking, or oral burning, get to a doctor sooner), visible changes in teeth (like translucency, yellowing, chipping, or new temperature sensitivity), bleeding or swollen gums that do not get better, new or rapidly progressing cavities, or oral candidiasis (also known as oral thrush, an infection that causes white patches on the tongue or inner cheeks).

Overall, there’s nothing too crazy or too demanding when it comes to taking care of your oral health while on a GLP-1, but being aware that the med is affecting more than just your weight is important to keep you feeling your best.