These days, it’s hard to go a day without hearing about medications like Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®, and Mounjaro^®. These GLP-1 drugs are becoming more popular and frequently prescribed because they are effective for helping patients manage diabetes and lose weight. Lots of patients take GLP-1s every week without trouble in their daily lives. But, GLP-1s can also affect oral health. Some side effects can increase the risk of cavities or affect how patients react to sedation medications when they need dental work. 

The good news is that dentists know how to manage these issues. When the dentist knows a patient is taking a GLP-1 medication, they can take necessary precautions and help patients reduce risks.

Dental Side Effects of Ozempic and GLP-1s

GLP-1 medications work by slowing the speed that food moves out of the stomach and into the intestines. This helps the body better control blood sugar and allows people to feel full longer after eating, which can support weight loss and diabetes management. For most patients, this change is helpful and expected.

However, GLP-1 medications can also cause side effects such as nausea and dry mouth. If patients experience nausea or reduced appetite, those can lead to lower nutrient intake. This can make teeth and gums more vulnerable because the body is getting fewer nutrients that support oral health. When patients experience vomiting as a side effect, stomach acid can weaken and damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities. Finally, when saliva is low, the risk of cavities, bad breath, and gum problems goes up. 

That’s why dentists pay close attention to these changes and may recommend extra steps to protect oral health at home.

Some GLP-1 side effects can also alter dental treatments in the office. Because food stays in the stomach longer, it can affect how dentists plan certain types of care, especially procedures that involve fasting or sedation. The dental team may need to adjust instructions or timing to keep patients safe and comfortable.

Once you let your dental team know that you are on a GLP-1, they can help manage your care in and out of the dental chair. 

Managing Oral GLP-1 Symptoms at Home 

If the dentist knows a patient is taking a GLP-1, they can remind patients about the importance of everyday habits including brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. Some dentists suggest more frequent dental cleanings to proactively address any issues before they become serious. To prevent tooth decay, they may also suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to strengthen the tooth enamel, as well as products to help manage dry mouth. They can also offer guidance on how to care for the mouth after vomiting, such as rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash instead of brushing immediately, to avoid weakening enamel.

What Patients Should Tell the Dentist

For any dental visit—whether it’s a check-up or an oral surgery consult—patients should bring a current list of medicines and include:

• The name of the GLP-1 medication (for example, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc.)
• How often it is taken and the last time it was taken
• The reason for taking it (diabetes, weight loss, etc.)
• Any recent nausea, vomiting, or trouble eating
• Any issues with reduced saliva or dry mouth

This simple step lets the dental team plan the visit and suggest the best ways to manage side effects and
provide the safest care.

Risks If the Dentist Doesn’t Know

GLP-1 medications are part of a bigger health journey, and your dentist is part of that journey too. Keeping the dental team informed allows them to protect oral health now and in the long run.

If the dentist doesn’t know a patient is taking a GLP-1 medication:

• Dry mouth may go unaddressed, raising the chance of cavities and gum disease
• Sedation risks may be higher because of delayed stomach emptying
• Blood sugar changes may happen during fasting without proper planning
• Appointments could be postponed if the dental team discovers the medicine at the last minute and needs to change the treatment plan

These issues are avoidable when the dental team has full information and can coordinate care.

Planning for Oral Surgery with GLP-1s 

For oral surgery procedures that use sedation medication to help patients relax or sleep, the dental team often instructs patients not to eat or drink for a certain amount of time before the visit. This is important because anesthesia providers prefer the stomach to be empty to lower the small risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during sedation. However, because GLP-1 medications slow the stomach’s emptying process, food may remain in the stomach longer than expected, even after fasting. 

When the dental team knows a patient is taking a GLP-1 medication, they can plan ahead to ensure the stomach is empty during the procedure. This may include adjusting fasting instructions, changing the timing of the appointment, or coordinating with the patient’s primary care provider or prescribing doctor to create a safe, personalized plan.