DENTAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SEMAGLUTIDE THERAPY: MONITORING CLINICAL AND PATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS OF ENAMEL AND PERIODONTAL TISSUES DAMAGE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/2311-9624.2026.3.16712Keywords:
semaglutide, Ozempic, GLP-1, “Ozempic teeth”, xerostomia, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, caries, periodontitisAbstract
The rapid rise in popularity of semaglutide (Ozempic) for obesity management has given rise to new clinical observations regarding its specific impact on the oral cavity, known as the “Ozempic teeth” phenomenon. The widespread adoption of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), particularly semaglutide (Ozempic), has fundamentally transformed therapeutic approaches to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The substantial increase in patients undergoing longterm courses of therapy necessitates rigorous monitoring of concomitant somatic complications. However, while gastrointestinal disorders have been extensively studied, local manifestations in the oral cavity remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for such scientific data. Recently, the term “Ozempic teeth” has actively emerged in clinical dental practice. This phenomenon describes a complex of rapidly progressing lesions affecting hard dental tissues and the periodontium in patients taking semaglutide. Clinicians increasingly report complaints of pronounced xerostomia, generalized enamel demineralization, multiple dental caries, and exacerbation of periodontal inflammatory processes, indicating a correlation between the drug’s mechanism of action and oral homeostasis. Enamel destruction and pathological shifts in the periodontium during semaglutide therapy exhibit a complex, multifactorial nature. Local drug side effects (xerostomia, gastric reflux, dehydration) are closely intertwined with changes in patients’ behavioral and dietary habits. In view of this, there is a clear need to investigate this issue at a systemic level by analyzing pathways of its appearance. Objective. To investigate and establish the correlation between oral cavity changes and the use of semaglutide medications based on recent scientific publications. To raise awareness regarding the consequences of the uncontrolled use of this agent among the general population. Materials and Methods. Scientific literature sources were retrieved from medical electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Approximately 45 articles detailing the mechanisms of GLP-1 RA impact on oral health in semaglutide users were analyzed. Results. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, it was established that the use of semaglutide is accompanied by reduced salivation due to the suppression of central autonomic pathways and systemic dehydration. A decrease in salivary buffering capacity leads to a prolonged drop in oral fluid pH below critical values, which activates demineralization processes. It was determined that induced gastrostasis causes gastroesophageal reflux with additional acidic damage to hard dental tissues, while hyposalivation and impaired oral immunological defense contribute to dysbiosis and the development of inflammatory processes in the periodontium. Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that enamel destruction and changes in periodontal tissues are complex and multifactorial in nature. They arise from a combination of local factors – xerostomia, gastric reflux, and dehydration – against the backdrop of patient dietary shifts and complex systemic interactions of GLP-1 receptors.
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