Dry Mouth from Semaglutide? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Semaglutide* has emerged as a powerful tool for weight loss, offering a promising solution for individuals struggling to achieve their health goals. 

Like most medications, it does have some side effects. One potential side effect reported by semaglutide users is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. 

While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, dry mouth can significantly impact your oral health and overall comfort.

Understanding Dry Mouth Symptoms

Common symptoms of xerostomia include a persistent sticky feeling in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, frothy saliva, dry tongue, and bad breath.

These symptoms can interfere with taste perceptions, leaving a metallic or acidic taste in the mouth and affecting your sense of taste.

The Importance of Saliva for Oral Health

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health, performing essential functions such as:

• Washing away food particles and debris from teeth and gums.
• Neutralizing acids that can erode tooth enamel.
• Preventing tooth decay by remineralizing the teeth.

Without enough saliva, these functions are impaired, leaving your mouth more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque buildup. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.

It is important to note that dry mouth is a common symptom in diabetics, even without taking semaglutide. However, if you experience dry mouth while taking this medication, it is essential to take proactive steps to manage and prevent potential oral health issues.

How Semaglutide May Contribute to Dry Mouth

If you are taking semaglutide, then you are probably aware that it was originally prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

It mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite by slowing gastric emptying.

While beneficial for weight loss, these mechanisms may also contribute to dry mouth by reducing saliva production or interacting with other medications.

While no major studies have been done on the connection between hyposalivation and semaglutide, a very small study was done on 3 women that were taking semaglutide and reporting the same symptom: xerostomia (dry mouth). 

The authors reported the following: “Although this finding is based on 3 reported cases, this observation shed light on possible oral complication associated with semaglutide long-term use.“

Managing Dry Mouth

If you are experiencing dry mouth while taking semaglutide, there are several proactive steps you can take to manage this side effect.

Lifestyle Tips

• Increase your water intake to help keep your mouth moist. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can further dry out the mouth.
• Stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies.
• Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air.
• Limit your caffeine and tobacco intake, as these can contribute to dry mouth.

Oral Hygiene Practices

• Brush and floss regularly to remove food particles and bacteria from teeth and gums.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
• Rinse with a mouthwash designed for dry mouth, which can help lubricate the mouth and provide relief.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to maintain optimal oral health.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Options

If lifestyle changes and good oral hygiene practices are not cutting it, speak with your healthcare provider about other options. These may include using saliva substitutes (e.g., mouth sprays, gels, rinses) or taking prescription medications that stimulate saliva production (if appropriate).

Conclusion

If you are a patient of our clinic and are experiencing this unpleasant side effect, be sure to speak with Dr. Bruice about it. He will help you manage your dry mouth symptoms and maintain optimal oral health while on semaglutide.

If you are not currently a patient but are considering starting semaglutide for weight loss, contact our clinic to schedule a consultation. We have locations in Denver, CO and St. Louis, MO. For our Denver location, call (303) 957-6686. For our St. Louis location, call (314) 222-7567. We look forward to meeting you!

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