New Delhi, UPDATED June 28, 2025 02:57 AM
India just took a big leap in the fight against obesity with the launch of Wegovy, a powerful new weight-loss injection by Novo Nordisk, but few are talking about Wegovy & oral health, a connection that could have lasting consequences.
In India Thousands are now lining up to slim down without drastic surgeries or starvation diets.
Whether you’re considering Wegovy yourself or know someone who is, it’s vital to understand the impact this “miracle drug” could have—not just on your body, but on your mouth, teeth, gums, and facial features.
Let’s break it down.
I’ve been taking Wegovy for 11 weeks now and have not experienced nausea. A little dry mouth the first two weeks, but a very positive experience so far. It’s working. pic.twitter.com/Z3uqcRaWhj
— Ever Sperling (@EverSperling) May 20, 2023
Wegovy works by mimicking a gut hormone (GLP-1) that slows digestion and suppresses appetite. This leads to less chewing, less eating—and less saliva. That’s bad news for your mouth. As stated above in a post shared on X (formerly twitter).
A dry mouth (called xerostomia) is more than just annoying—it can:
What to do: Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and avoid caffeine and alcohol-based mouthwashes.
Wegovy can trigger acid reflux, burping, or nausea in some people. When stomach acid reaches your mouth, it can silently erode the enamel—the protective layer of your teeth.
Over time, this can cause:
What to do: If reflux is frequent, rinse your mouth with water (don’t brush immediately), and talk to your doctor about anti-reflux medications.
Shedding kilos too quickly may seem like a win—but it often comes at a nutritional cost. People on Wegovy often eat less food overall, and if not managed well, this can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies (B12, iron, folate, zinc).
Your gums are among the first to suffer:
What to do: Ensure you’re getting a well-balanced diet or supplements if needed, under medical guidance.
You’ve likely heard of “Ozempic face”—and Wegovy users aren’t exempt. As facial fat rapidly reduces, people can experience:
This not only affects appearance but can change the way your smile looks.
What to do: Consider facial exercises, dental consultations for aesthetic impact, or even dermatological support if needed.
Before you start Wegovy, schedule a dental visit and ask:
A baseline oral check-up helps detect early warning signs and create a prevention plan.
A viral Reddit post from a user in the U.S. recently urged patients to always disclose their use of Wegovy or other semaglutide-based medications to their dentist. The post highlighted increased risks of acid reflux, dry mouth, and complications with anesthesia—issues especially relevant in dental procedures. This reinforces the need for Indian dental practitioners to ask about GLP-1 medications during intake and treatment planning.
This is a new era where dentistry and internal medicine must work hand-in-hand.
India has over 250 million overweight adults, and the arrival of drugs like Wegovy marks a turning point. But in a country where routine dental check-ups are often neglected, oral side effects may go unnoticed until they become severe.
Wegovy users in India should also be aware that its sister drug, Ozempic, has already been linked to a growing number of oral health complaints.
The situation is especially risky in semi-urban and rural areas, where self-medication, poor dental awareness, and limited access to care collide.
If you’re starting Wegovy:
If you’re a caregiver, guide loved ones to maintain dental hygiene and consult professionals regularly.
Wegovy may help you lose weight, lower your risk of diabetes, and improve heart health—but don’t let it cost you your oral health.
India must embrace a more holistic view of health. It’s not just about shrinking waistlines—it’s about preserving our teeth, tissues, and confidence along the way.
Copyright 2025 Dr Bibhakar Ranjan – All Rights Reserved