With much discussion around the increased popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs such as Ozempic for use in weight loss, it’s important that clinicians understand the potential impacts that they, along with other weight loss measures, may have on patients’ oral health.
Whilst maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for many people, the ways in which some may choose to achieve this in the first place may have side effects for their oral health that they might not consider. A healthy diet and exercise are widely considered to be the best way to lose weight, but it’s important that clinicians support patients in maintaining their oral health whichever path they choose.
The hidden impacts of weight loss drugs
Originally intended for the treatment of diabetes, GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, have recently become more widely used for weight loss. For many people, this has had a big impact, enabling them to reduce their weight quickly. However, it is important for those who are using them to be aware of the potential side effects – and for clinicians treating patients who are using these solutions to help manage any potential impacts on their oral health.
Research has suggested that adverse effects of GLP-1 drugs on oral health include dry mouth, halitosis, and dysgeusia (altered taste) – notably a sweet taste in the mouth, potentially reducing cravings for sweet foods due to an increased sensitivity. This is thought to counteract the cravings for sweet foods that patients with obesity may experience as a result of elevated leptin levels.[i]
Further to this, GLP-1 drugs impact receptors in the brain linked to diuretic, water intake, and natriuretic mechanisms and decrease renal angiotensin II values – with the aim to reduce water retention. As such, side effects of this include chronic diarrhoea, diuresis, and xerostomia (dry mouth). In turn, the drug can result in frothy saliva, halitosis, and eructation.[ii]
In addition to the effects on oral health, it’s important for patients to be aware of the potential impacts on overall health including acute pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, acute gallbladder injury, pulmonary aspiration, and diabetic retinopathy.[iii]
Juice cleanse or whole fruits?
For other people, a different approach to weight loss might be more appealing. Juice cleanses have grown in popularity in recent years, often seen as a convenient way to consume more fruits and vegetables. Diets which involve consuming juice and nothing else are marketed as a way to cleanse the digestive system and improve health overall. Whilst this seems plausible, along with the potential risks associated with particularly acidic fruits, juicing removes most of the fruit or vegetables’ insoluble fibre – potentially diminishing the health benefits afforded by whole fruits and vegetables. Low fibre can have a negative impact on the microbiota, with metabolism and immunity affected.[iv]
Further to this, research has found that juice cleanses affect the oral and gut microbiome in different ways. The oral microbiome suffers a bigger impact – with increased abundances of bacterial taxa that process simple sugars.[v] The oral microbiome reacts quickly, within three days, with a reduction in beneficial Firmicutes bacteria and an increase in Proteobacteria – associated with inflammation.[vi]
Keto diet
Another popular choice for those looking to lose weight or feel healthier is the keto diet. This involves increasing intake of fat, reducing carbohydrates, and consuming moderate levels of protein. The idea behind this diet is that, after some time, the body will enter ketosis – with fat becoming the primary source of energy. However, the diet may reduce levels of vitamin A, C, and K, with vitamin C deficiency linked to poor wound healing and periodontal health[vii], and tooth loss. Additionally, the breath can begin to smell sweet and fruity, a common problem often referred to as ‘keto breath’.[viii]
Assisting patients in maintaining oral health
In order to help patients maintain oral health whenever they are undertaking any weight loss measures, it is useful for clinicians to have a good understanding of the potential risks and to make appropriate recommendations.
It is also important that clinicians continue to emphasise the importance of daily oral hygiene with their patients. A high-quality toothpaste remains a cornerstone of any effective oral care routine. BioMin® offers an excellent solution, particularly for patients following highly controlled or restrictive diets, where added dietary stress can impact the entire body – including the teeth and gums. BioMin® F provides continuous protection by slowly releasing fluoride and essential minerals for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for patients who frequently consume acidic foods and beverages or experience xerostomia.
Many people are willing to try weight loss management strategies such as those discussed above, without necessarily understanding the potential implications for their oral or overall health. As such, it’s important to support and educate patients wherever possible in order to help prevent and manage any potential symptoms and side effects.
The science is clear. The solution is simple.
Author: Alec Hilton – CEO BioMin Technologies Ltd
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[i] Bando, Hiroshi. “Possible Adverse Effects (AEs) of Semaglutide (Ozempic) Administration for the Latest Investigation.” Diabetes Research: Open Access 5.1 (2024): 17.
[ii] Bando, Hiroshi. “Possible Adverse Effects (AEs) of Semaglutide (Ozempic) Administration for the Latest Investigation.” Diabetes Research: Open Access 5.1 (2024): 17.
[iii] Pillarisetti, Lekha, and Devendra K. Agrawal. “Semaglutide: Double-edged Sword with Risks and Benefits.” Archives of internal medicine research 8.1 (2025): 1.
[iv] Sardaro, M.L.S.; Grote, V.; Baik, J.; Atallah, M.; Amato, K.R.; Ring, M. Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition. Nutrients 2025, 17, 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030458
[v] Sardaro, M.L.S.; Grote, V.; Baik, J.; Atallah, M.; Amato, K.R.; Ring, M. Effects of Vegetable and Fruit Juicing on Gut and Oral Microbiome Composition. Nutrients 2025, 17, 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030458
[vi] https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/02/juicing-may-harm-your-health-in-just-3-days-new-study-finds/
[vii] Taher, Hala Al, et al. “Role of ketogenic diet and its effect on the periodontium. A scoping review.” Frontiers in Oral Health 5 (2024): 1364578.
[viii] Musa-Veloso, Kathy, Sergei S. Likhodii, and Stephen C. Cunnane. “Breath acetone is a reliable indicator of ketosis in adults consuming ketogenic meals.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 76.1 (2002): 65-70.
