Australian Dental Association NSW is urging Australians taking popular GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro to include their dentist as part of their healthcare team, warning that common side effects of these medicines may increase the risk of oral health problems.
The call comes as the use of GLP-1 medications continues to surge in Australia, with recent research estimating that around half a million Australians are now using these medicines each month, reflecting one of the biggest shifts in chronic disease management in decades.
ADA NSW President Dr Mark Morrin said while these medications are delivering significant health benefits for many people living with obesity and type 2 diabetes, patients should also be aware of their potential impact on oral health.
‘These medications are changing lives, and that’s something to celebrate. But they can also produce side effects that affect the mouth, and many patients simply aren’t aware of that.
‘This isn’t about discouraging people from taking medically appropriate treatment. It’s about making sure Australians understand the whole-body impacts so they can protect both their general and oral health.’
Dry mouth and acid erosion
ADA NSW says the medications themselves do not directly damage teeth. However, common side effects including dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and reflux can create conditions that increase the risk of dental disease.
Reduced saliva can lead to:
- increased tooth decay
- gum disease
- bad breath
- mouth ulcers
- difficulty swallowing.
Meanwhile, repeated vomiting or acid reflux exposes teeth to stomach acid, which can permanently erode enamel and increase tooth sensitivity. Saliva is one of the mouth’s greatest natural defences. When saliva flow decreases, the risk of cavities and other oral health problems rises.
Dentists say that if someone experiences nausea or vomiting while taking these medications, they shouldn’t brush their teeth immediately afterwards. Rinse with water first and wait around 30 minutes before brushing to help protect tooth enamel.
Nutrition also matters
ADA NSW says changing eating habits can also influence oral health. While many people reduce their intake of sugary snacks after starting GLP-1 therapy, eating significantly less, or relying on meal replacement drinks, may affect overall nutrition, which is important for healthy gums, bones and healing.
Emerging research has highlighted that nutrition remains a blind spot in many GLP-1 clinical trials, with very little data collected on patients’ dietary intake despite widespread use of the medicines.
ADA NSW encourages patients to tell their dentist if they are taking weight-loss medications, just as they would disclose other prescription medicines.
Knowing a patient’s medication history allows dentists to identify early signs of dry mouth, acid erosion and other changes before they become more serious or require extensive treatment. They say healthy weight and healthy teeth should go hand in hand. A simple conversation with your dentist could help prevent avoidable dental problems later.
