Weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic, have been hailed as a lifeline for many struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes, leading to significant weight reduction. However, a concerning and distressing side effect is increasingly being reported by users: severe dental problems, including tooth decay and loss. Hope Lancaster Colquhoun, a 42-year-old from Hebburn, experienced this firsthand. After losing nine stone in a year using Mounjaro, she discovered multiple teeth had snapped in half, leading to the immediate extraction of at least seven teeth. Despite previously having perfect dental health, she was left horrified by the rapid decline.

The array of dental issues reported by GLP-1 drug users, sometimes dubbed 'Ozempic teeth' or 'Ozempic mouth,' includes receding or sensitive gums, yellowing teeth, bad breath, gum disease, cavities, and even complete tooth loss. Online forums are rife with accounts from individuals experiencing such problems weeks or months after starting medication. Dental experts confirm a rise in these cases and attribute them to several factors.

One primary cause is acid reflux. GLP-1 drugs work by slowing down the rate of digestion to promote feelings of fullness. This can lead to food remaining in the stomach for longer periods, increasing the risk of stomach acid refluxing into the mouth. When acid repeatedly washes into the mouth, it weakens and dissolves tooth enamel, making teeth highly susceptible to decay. While medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can relieve acid reflux, they are not recommended for long-term regular use.

Another significant factor is dry mouth, or xerostomia, which can be triggered by these medications. Dr. Edward Li, a principal dentist in London, explains that these drugs can dampen appetite and reduce the sensation of thirst, leading patients to drink less water and produce less saliva. Saliva is crucial for oral health as it neutralizes acid, carries minerals to repair early enamel damage, and contains immune defenses against bacteria. Without sufficient saliva, plaque builds up more rapidly, and gum disease can progress much faster, exacerbating pre-existing dental vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, dietary changes associated with rapid weight loss can contribute to dental issues. Dr. Rizwan Mahmood, a private dentist, notes that eating less can mean fewer essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, vital for healthy teeth and gums. Patients using GLP-1 medications may also opt for softer, more processed foods, which, without stringent hygiene, can quickly lead to plaque build-up. A diet lacking solid and fibrous foods can also reduce facial muscle strength, impacting dental arch development.

The impact of these dental side effects can be devastating. Hope Lancaster Colquhoun has spent over £3,700 to fix her teeth and now requires dentures, though she still maintains the jab saved her life. Legal actions are also emerging, with one patient, Jaclyn Bjorklund, filing a lawsuit against Mounjaro and Ozempic manufacturers, claiming gastroparesis from the jabs caused severe vomiting and tooth loss.

In related news, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, is advancing a new blockbuster weight loss pill, orforglipron. Recent trials showed users could lose over 10 percent of their weight after just over a year, with benefits including reductions in bad cholesterol, blood fats, and blood pressure. Orforglipron works by targeting the same GLP-1 receptors as existing jabs but offers a needle-free alternative. It is easier to produce, transport (can be stored at room temperature), and is expected to be a cheaper option, potentially launching globally as early as next year. While its weight loss efficacy (averaging 9.6% to 10.5%) is slightly less than Mounjaro (up to 22.5%) or semaglutide (14%), an oral option offering significant weight reduction for patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes is considered a positive step. Its side effects were mainly mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The demand for Mounjaro itself has reached unprecedented levels. Eli Lilly has announced significant price increases for the drug, with wholesale prices soaring from September 1st, prompting concerns about affordability and the potential for a black market. For instance, the highest dose will jump from £122 to £330 per month. Lilly justified the increase by stating the initial UK price was