Ozempic and Your Smile: What Wagga Locals Need to Know About Semaglutide and Oral Health

By Dr Tom Shumack, BSci (Syd. Uni), BDent (Hons) (Syd. Uni) Grad Dip Clin Dent (Oral Implants) (Syd. Uni) MRACDS(PDS)

Why Are We Talking About Ozempic and Teeth?

Ozempic (semaglutide) has quickly become one of the most talked-about medications in Australia – especially for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss. Many of our Wagga patients are now taking it, and some have been asking:

“Could Ozempic affect my teeth or gums?”

The short answer? It might – and it’s worth being aware of both the positives and the potential risks so that we can protect your oral health while you focus on your overall wellbeing.

At Shumack Dental & Implants, our goal is to make sure our patients are fully informed and supported every step of the way – including how medications might influence your oral health.

The Good News First

Better Blood Sugar, Healthier Gums

If you’re managing type 2 diabetes, semaglutide can help lower blood sugar levels. That’s not only good news for your body but also for your gums. High blood glucose makes it harder to fight infection and inflammation – both key players in gum disease.

In fact, a 2024 study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that better diabetes control is linked to improved gum health. So indirectly, Ozempic may support your gums by reducing inflammation and bacterial risk.

Weight Loss = Reduced Inflammation

Being overweight is linked to higher rates of gum disease. That’s because excess fat tissue can produce inflammatory chemicals that affect your whole body – including your mouth.

Semaglutide has been shown to promote significant weight loss, which may reduce systemic inflammation. One major trial (The Lancet, 2023) showed that people on oral semaglutide lost considerable weight, with potential flow-on benefits for oral health.

But Let’s Talk About the Risks

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Several of our patients in Wagga have reported a dry mouth while taking Ozempic. This matters because saliva plays a big role in protecting your teeth and gums. Less saliva means:
- More risk of cavities 
- Gum irritation 
- Bad breath

Studies (including data from the FDA) show semaglutide users report dry mouth more frequently than users of other medications in its class. If you’re sipping water constantly or feeling “cotton mouth,” let me know – we can suggest saliva substitutes or sugar-free gum that helps.

Nausea or Vomiting

A common early side effect of Ozempic is nausea, and in some cases, vomiting. While usually temporary, frequent vomiting can expose your teeth to acid – increasing the risk of enamel erosion and sensitivity.

If you’re feeling nauseous or experiencing vomiting, it’s important to speak to both your GP and to us at the clinic. We may recommend protective rinses or fluoride products to minimise damage.

Reduced Appetite – But Watch Nutrient Intake

Ozempic can curb your appetite, which is part of why it works so well. But if you’re eating less, it’s important to make sure you’re still getting essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D – both crucial for healthy teeth and bone.

We may chat about your diet during your regular check-ups. If needed, we’ll work alongside your doctor or nutritionist to ensure your body and smile are well-supported.

What the Research Says

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s emerging from the scientific literature:

- Lower inflammation: Semaglutide reduces systemic inflammatory markers, according to European Heart Journal Supplements (2024) 
- Glycaemic control helps gums: Better diabetes control leads to better periodontal outcomes (Clinical Oral Investigations, 2024) 
- Promising animal studies: Early research in diabetic rats suggests semaglutide may directly reduce gum inflammation (ResearchGate, 2024)

We don’t yet have large human trials linking Ozempic directly to gum disease outcomes, but the indirect evidence is promising – and where risks exist, we can manage them together.

What Should You Do If You’re Taking Ozempic?

Here’s our advice at Shumack Dental & Implants:

Tell us: If you’ve started Ozempic, please let us know at your next visit. It helps us tailor your care – especially if you’re prone to dry mouth or have gum disease.

Prioritise oral hygiene: Keep brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and if needed, using products like Biotène or GC Dry Mouth Gel.

Don’t skip your check-ups: We may recommend more frequent hygiene visits to help catch early signs of decay or gum inflammation.

Speak up: Noticing sensitivity, mouth dryness, bleeding gums or anything that doesn’t feel right? Tell us – we’d rather hear early and help you stay on track.

A Local Approach for Wagga Patients

Living in Wagga means we treat our patients like neighbours – because you are. If you're on Ozempic, we’re here to walk with you through the broader health changes that come with it, not just your dental care.

We can coordinate with your GP, monitor any oral side effects, and adjust your care plan as needed. At Shumack Dental & Implants, your smile is part of the bigger picture – and that’s how we treat it.

Final Thoughts

Semaglutide (Ozempic) is changing lives – and in most cases, for the better. But every medication comes with trade-offs. If you’re using it and want to be sure your dental health stays in top shape, you’re in good hands with Dr Tom Shumack and the team at Shumack Dental & Implants.

References

Barbirato DS, et al. Clinical Oral Investigations, 2024. 
Colhoun H, et al. European Heart Journal Supplements, 2024. 
Davies M, et al. The Lancet, 2023. 
Assessment of Semaglutide in Diabetic Rats with Periodontitis, ResearchGate, 2024.