Ozempic is a drug that is prescribed to treat people diagnosed with diabetes. However, many people have been taking it for other “off-label” purposes, such as for weight loss. Yet, this drug has proven to be linked to a range of ever-growing side effects. The newest reported phenomenon that has health care experts concerned is called ‘Ozempic teeth’. If you are currently using Ozempic or are thinking of starting, make sure to read this article first.
The Rise of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use
In 2024 alone, around 5% of people in the UK reportedly made use of an injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This is the rather long-winded scientific name of the product sold under brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These receptor agonists work by mimicking the hormones that occur naturally in our bodies. This slows down digestion and leads to weight loss. However, use of the drug has been proven to be accompanied by several undesirable side effects.
What Are Ozempic Teeth?
Even though many people are fully aware of certain side effects, such as hypoglycemia and coma risk, they continue to use the product. Yet, more and more side effects are continuously surfacing, raising the question of whether it is even worth using it. The latest reported side effect is a condition called Ozempic teeth. This term refers to several dental issues associated with Ozempic use. These include gum disease, bad breath, and decaying teeth.
A Correlation Between Ozempic Use and Dental Issues
At the moment, there is no clinical evidence linking Ozempic use with dental issues. However, drugs such as Ozempic are starting to exhibit a correlation with tooth decay and damage in clinical settings. Dentists are noticing that more and more Ozempic users are coming in with dental problems. Experts say that the use of Ozempic reduces the amount of saliva your body produces. This can significantly reduce your mouth’s natural tooth-cleaning abilities. The other side effects associated with Ozempic, such as vomiting, can further damage the teeth due to the stomach’s acidity.
A Regularly Reported Side Effect
If you are thinking of starting Ozempic, it may surprise you to discover that this side effect is being reported more and more often recently. Many users are also unaware of many of the side effects, as many of them don’t even appear on the product’s information leaflet. Yet, while they make no direct reference to these side effects, there are signs. For example, one of the common side effects that appears on the label is acid reflux. This increase in acid can start to erode your teeth over time. People often also state that they get dry mouth and dehydration.
Avoiding Ozempic Teeth
If you don’t drink enough water, the bacteria stay in your mouth. This can potentially result in conditions such as halitosis and bad breath. It seems the best way to avoid Ozempic teeth is to steer clear of it as a weight-loss drug. But, what about people who use it for the health issues it is meant to be prescribed for? Well, for individuals who use Ozempic to treat their diabetes, there are a few simple strategies you can follow. For example, brushing your teeth after eating and regularly drinking water may help reduce the risk.
Ozempic Blindness
Another side effect that is being increasingly reported is Ozempic blindness. This refers to somewhat rare but serious vision issues associated with the use of Ozempic and similar products. These drugs, which contain semaglutide or tirzepatide, may raise your risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition is characterized by a sudden and possibly permanent loss of vision caused by decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. Other potential eye-related side effects of Ozempic use include dry eyes, blurred vision, and retinal edema.
Cancer Treatment Interference
According to a recent study, Ozempic may reduce the efficiency of breast cancer treatments. Women with triple-negative breast cancer who used these drugs were less likely to be cancer-free after receiving treatment. Researchers discovered GLP-1 traces left over in tumor cells, which could influence chemotherapy and immunotherapy responses. However, the experts stress that these findings are not conclusive and could be impacted by the patients’ overall health.
Other Potential Side Effects
There are several other strange side effects that users of Ozempic have reported besides Ozempic teeth. One of these is Ozempic finger, characterized by a loss of weight in the fingers. One woman even reported that her ring finger just slipped off due to her finger getting so thin. Many celebrities seem to be victims of the Ozempic face. This side effect is characterized by a loss of facial volume that results in a gaunt and unhealthy appearance. Many have also reported a loss of fullness and subsequent sagging in their breasts and buttocks. There have also been numerous reports of people’s hair thinning considerably after using Ozempic.
Death Linked To Ozempic Use For Weight Loss
Trish Webster wanted to lose some weight for her daughter’s wedding. However, she experienced persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after taking Ozempic for five months. Unfortunately, her condition worsened very suddenly, and she died of an “acute gastrointestinal illness.” However, medical experts suspect a possible connection to Ozempic’s known digestive side effects. They believe she may have died from a blockage in the intestines, a condition called ileus.
The Bottom Line
While Ozempic may be beneficial for many patients who use it for its original purpose, it can also produce many side effects. While there has yet to be proper research carried out on the subject, dentists have noticed a correlation between Ozmepic use and a rise in dental issues. This has led to the creation of the term, Ozempic teeth. There are also several other undesirable side effects to be aware of. These include Ozempic blindness, cancer treatment interference, and Ozempic finger. It’s always best to speak to your health practitioner before using a potentially dangerous product like Ozempic.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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