Semaglutide

Oral health effects

• Nausea/vomiting (erosion risk) and delayed gastric emptying

  GI side effects including vomiting can, with frequency, contribute to dental erosion; delayed gastric emptying is a sedation/aspiration consideration.

  Clinical management: Counsel against brushing right after vomiting; note delayed emptying if sedation is planned.

• Indirect periodontal/caries risk via glycemic control

  These agents do not act directly on the mouth, but the underlying diabetes (and how well it is controlled) strongly influences periodontal disease, healing, and infection risk.

  Clinical management: Reinforce that good glycemic control supports periodontal health; coordinate care and note HbA1c.

• Taste change (dysgeusia)

  Dysgeusia is listed among less common adverse reactions in clinical trials (>0.4%) and in postmarketing reports, often alongside GI effects early in treatment.

  Clinical management: Reassure that taste changes are a recognised side effect; rule out oral causes (candidiasis, poor hygiene, dry mouth) and discourage compensating with sugary or acidic foods/drinks.