What Wegovy Users in India Aren’t Being Told About Their Oral Health

Health Desk – Martian Smiles Lab

New Delhi, UPDATED June 28, 2025 02:57 AM

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A woman self-administering a Wegovy injection in her abdomen as part of her weight-loss regimen, highlighting the growing link between Wegovy & oral health concerns.
Woman administering Wegovy injection for weight loss. Experts warn that such treatments may have unexpected oral health side effects. Image by stefamerpik on Freepik

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.

Dry Mouth Is Real — And Risky

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:

  • Promote cavities and tooth decay
  • Cause bad breath
  • Make swallowing and speaking difficult
  • Lead to infections like oral thrush

What to do: Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and avoid caffeine and alcohol-based mouthwashes.

Acid Reflux Can Damage Enamel

Medical illustration showing severe dental enamel erosion, likely from acid reflux, which can be a side effect for some individuals using Wegovy, impacting overall oral health.
Acid reflux, a potential side effect of Wegovy, can lead to dental enamel erosion.

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:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Yellowing teeth
  • Chipped enamel
  • Increased risk of cavities

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.

Wegovy fuelled Weight Loss Can Deprive Your Mouth

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:

  • Bleeding or inflamed gums
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Burning tongue sensation
  • Slow healing of dental wounds

What to do: Ensure you’re getting a well-balanced diet or supplements if needed, under medical guidance.

Facial Sagging Can Impact Smile Aesthetics

Older woman with facial sagging from Wegovy weight loss, affecting oral health appearance.
Facial sagging and hollowed features can be unintended effects of rapid weight loss from drugs like Wegovy.

You’ve likely heard of “Ozempic face”—and Wegovy users aren’t exempt. As facial fat rapidly reduces, people can experience:

  • Sunken cheeks
  • Hollow temples
  • Deep smile lines
  • Sagging around the mouth

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.

What to Ask Your Dentist Before Starting Wegovy

Before you start Wegovy, schedule a dental visit and ask:

  • Do I have signs of dry mouth already?
  • Are my gums healthy enough for this change?
  • What should I monitor at home?
  • Should I switch to enamel-protecting toothpaste?

A baseline oral check-up helps detect early warning signs and create a prevention plan.

For Dentists in India

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.

  • Asking patients about weight-loss medications in their intake forms
  • Watching for increased dry mouth complaints
  • Offering dietary advice and monitoring oral pH/saliva flow
  • Collaborating with physicians for patient care

This is a new era where dentistry and internal medicine must work hand-in-hand.

Why This Matters in India

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.

What Can You Do?

An Indian woman brushing her teeth in front of a bathroom mirror, emphasizing the importance of daily oral hygiene in managing the effects of Wegovy & oral health.
Daily brushing remains the foundation of oral health—especially when using medications that cause dry mouth. Image Courtesy - Pexels

If you’re starting Wegovy:

  • Drink plenty of water daily
  • Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and soft brushes
  • Avoid acidic drinks (colas, citrus juices)
  • See your dentist every 3–6 months

If you’re a caregiver, guide loved ones to maintain dental hygiene and consult professionals regularly.

Wegovy & Oral Health: The Bottom Line

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.