Ozempic May Reduce Tooth Decay?

RED DEER, Alberta - June 10, 2023 - PRLog -- The author of 'How to $ave Big Money at the Dentist' says Ozempic may be a key to reducing dental disease and may be more important than floss. Michael Zuk DDS claims acid reflux is a serious threat to teeth. Zuk says, "Due to increased rates of GERD from obesity, dentists should stop nagging about flossing daily and should address the elephant in the room - a patient's waistline."

While acid reflux is not only limited to those who are overweight a 2008 article in a Gastroenterology journal suggested a relationship with abdominal circumference:

Quote- the association between reflux parameters and BMI was found to be in large part mediated by waist circumference. The authors concluded that "obesity increases the risk of GERD, at least partly, by increasing esophageal acid exposure and waist circumference partly explains the association between obesity and esophageal acid exposure."

www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(08)00155-8/fulltext

The dentist also cites his famous molar extracted from Beatle John Lennon as damage likely caused by acid reflux. "John Lennon wasn't overweight but his decayed molar shows extreme decay that could have easily come from reflux and dry mouth inspired by alcohol, smoking cigarettes, marijuana and late night snacks." Incidentally, the Beatle's tooth participated in a UK tour to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

Dental professionals were upset a few years ago when evidence for the claimed benefits of flossing were found to be lacking and hit the headlines. This did not seem to modify the recorded message of 'brush and floss' on most dentists' answering machines.

Quote: A review of 12 randomized controlled trials published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2011 found only "very unreliable" evidence that flossing might reduce plaque after one and three months. Researchers could not find any studies on the effectiveness of flossing combined with brushing for cavity prevention.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/03/health/flossing-teeth-...

Dentists are also guilty of occasionally missing the clues of reflux damage and blaming dental damage on nocturnal tooth grinding or poor dental hygiene. Dr. Zuk says, "I had a dental hygienist who suddenly got six cavities. Her dental hygiene was impeccable but it turned out she had undiagnosed acid reflux. She wasn't overweight but this was a perfect example of how GERD can accelerate dental decay even in someone with great home care."

The use of weight loss medications may also save patients who have snoring and apnea due to their weight. Rather than make an expensive appliance or be forced to wear a CPAP during sleep many patients may dodge the need by losing a few pounds. When dieting and exercise have not been enough it may be time to consider other ideas.

With most of the population of North America suffering from obesity and at greater risk of diabetes and heart disease, if this dentist-author is correct, the use of Ozempic and similar weight loss medications may end up paying for themselves with savings in medical and dental bills. Zuk feels flossing every other day and concentrating on ways to reduce reflux risk and obesity would be a reasonable alternative to current recommendations. As always consult with your trusted health professionals before making any decisions.

How to $ave Big Money at the Dentist is available on Blurb.com through the following link:
https://www.blurb.ca/b/3410852

Bio: Dr. Zuk has published numerous books on dental health topics and appeared on CBC Marketplace 'Money Where Your Mouth Is'. The dentist-author gained worldwide exposure when he purchased Beatle John Lennon's molar for a Guinness Record. Dr. Zuk may be reached for interviews through his Facebook page Michael Zuk DDS.