Ozempic Teeth? My Dentist Weighs In On This Surprising Side Effect
Release Date: 09/03/2025
The Debbie Nigro Show
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On The Debbie Nigro Show, I like to dig into stories that make you go, “Wait, what?!” This week’s head-turner: “Ozempic Teeth.” Yep, that’s the headline making waves, and I knew I had to call in my go-to expert, Dr. John Castanaro of Castanaro Dental in Yonkers, NY, to help get to ‘the tooth of the matter’. What Are “Ozempic Teeth”? GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have taken the world by storm for their weight-loss benefits. But dentists are warning about side effects showing up in the mouth. According to Dr. Castanaro: “It’s not the drug...
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info_outlineOn The Debbie Nigro Show, I like to dig into stories that make you go, “Wait, what?!”
This week’s head-turner: “Ozempic Teeth.” Yep, that’s the headline making waves, and I knew I had to call in my go-to expert, Dr. John Castanaro of Castanaro Dental in Yonkers, NY, to help get to ‘the tooth of the matter’.
What Are “Ozempic Teeth”?
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have taken the world by storm for their weight-loss benefits. But dentists are warning about side effects showing up in the mouth. According to Dr. Castanaro:
“It’s not the drug itself causing problems—it’s the side effects like acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and sometimes malnutrition.”
Those issues can lead to enamel erosion, cavities, swollen gums, and even gingivitis. In short: less saliva = more dental drama.
Prevention Is Key
The good news? Simple changes can protect your smile:
- Drink more water. Dehydration is a big culprit.
- Use products like Biotene (a rinse that coats and protects against dry mouth).
- Chew sugar-free gum or candies to stimulate saliva.
- Stay active. Even light walking helps reduce reflux and nausea.
- Stay on top of dental visits. Dr. Castanaro recommends some patients schedule three cleanings a year instead of two.
As he put it:
“Prevention and being on top of it—being educated about it—is everything. You can’t ignore these signs.”
Dentistry’s Big Trend
Beyond Ozempic teeth, Dr. Castanaro noted a bigger shift: younger generations with fewer cavities are turning to cosmetic upgrades like Invisalign and whitening. Thanks to new tech (hello, 3D printers!), straighter, whiter smiles are now easier and less invasive than ever.
My Takeaway
Ozempic teeth might sound scary, but the fix is refreshingly simple: hydrate, care for your teeth, and don’t skip the dentist. As always, knowledge is power—and I’m glad Dr. Castanaro was here to drop some wisdom (and a little humor).
“At the end of the day, prevention and awareness go a long way.”
Thanks, Doc.
Enlighten yourself in the short podcast of my live conversation with Dr. John Castanaro on The Debbie Nigro Show.