2026-10-29T08:01:01
(BPT) – Did you know that if you are on a GLP-1, you may be more prone to certain oral health problems, like cavities? Some people taking GLP-1s have experienced side effects including dry mouth, halitosis (bad breath), and decreased saliva, which may increase your risk for cavities and/or gingivitis. That means it’s especially important to maintain good oral health practices while on this type of medication.
“Oral health is connected to your overall health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Maria Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive. “Any time you take a new medication, such as a GLP-1, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider about any potential side effects, so you can proactively address possible issues.”
Try these simple oral health tips, in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, to help you feel more confident throughout your GLP-1 journey.
Keep regular dental appointments
One key way to maintain good oral health is through timely semi-annual cleanings and checkups with your dentist. Preventive dentistry helps ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy, and helps catch issues early, when they’re more easily treatable.
Pro tip: Use your favorite calendar system or app to ensure that you don’t forget about these crucial appointments. Connecting your dental appointments with specific dates, like your birthday or another holiday, can also help you remember to schedule them.
Use products designed specifically for proactive care
The best oral health products help prevent problems before they can even start. For example, you can stay on top of your oral health while on your GLP-1 journey with help from Colgate Total Active Prevention Toothpaste, which fights the root cause of many oral health problems like cavities and gingivitis with twice daily brushing.* Colgate Total toothpaste contains bioactive stannous fluoride, which is specially formulated to provide long-lasting antibacterial protection and a unique mode of action for sensitivity relief, gingivitis, erosion and cavity protection.
“Colgate Total Active Prevention Toothpaste helps you be proactive about your oral health when used as directed by reducing bacteria that accumulates in plaque and hardens to calculus or tartar, causing oral health problems such as cavities, gingivitis, sensitivity, bad breath and weakened enamel,” added Dr. Ryan. “Being proactive about oral hygiene is particularly important when you’re taking any medications that may have an impact on your oral health, such as GLP-1s.”
Pro tip: Stock up on Colgate Total to help maintain your oral hygiene habits at Walmart.com.
Stack hygiene habits
You probably already know that you need to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss and use mouthwash as needed, but it can be all too easy to forget. Many behavioral experts recommend the practice of “habit stacking,” which can help habits you want to keep become a regular part of your day, so you no longer have to think about them.
For example, if you have a habit you already perform automatically, like taking a shower in the morning or putting in your contact lenses, add brushing and/or flossing your teeth just before or after that habit, to start thinking of them as one complete unit. Stacking habits together makes them automatic, so it’s a lot less likely you’ll forget one part of that routine.
Pro tip: Assemble a portable oral health kit that’s small enough to take along to work or wherever else your day takes you, making it easier to brush and floss after a meal even when you’re away from home.
While you’re taking positive steps to improve your overall physical health, don’t forget that your oral health is just as important. You can find Colgate Total Toothpaste at Walmart.com and all major retailers. You can also visit Colgate.com to learn more about GLP-1s and oral health.
*via bacteria reduction, oral health problem like cavities and gingivitis with twice daily brushing
