Desert Health News - November-December 2025

• Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Ozempic. When vomiting occurs, stomach acids enter the mouth and touch the teeth, which can ultimately lead to weakening of the enamel due to the low pH of the stomach acids. These indirect side effects of GLP-1 medications can contribute to more significant oral health issues, including increased decay, enamel erosion and enamel wear. Dentists are seeing these effects more often in patients taking GLP-1 medications. The good news is that these side effects are manageable. Key strategies include staying consistent with routine dental cleanings and exams so that you can communicate any changes you notice. Also, drinking a lot of water throughout the day to keep the mouth hydrated. If nausea and/or vomiting occur, rinse the mouth with water prior to brushing. If experiencing dry mouth, chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free lozenges to help to stimulate saliva production, which can ultimately help keep the mouth hydrated and neutralize any harmful acids. If you have experienced any of these symptoms related to Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications, contact your dentist for further discussion. Sarah Khoshniyati (“Dr. Sarah”) is a dentist with Palm Desert Smiles and can be reached at (760) 568.3602. www.DesertHealthNews.com November/December 2025 Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 6 www.palmdesertsmiles.com The latest technologies for a healthier, more youthful smile Sarah A. Khoshniyati, DDS "Dr. Sarah" Nicholas S. Baumann, DDS "Dr. Nick" Technology in dentistry is very exciting and evolves as new materials and equipment are introduced. We select only the most proven, effective, patient and comfort-focused technologies. • CEREC Same-Day Crowns • Implants • iCAT 3D X-Ray/Digital X-Rays • Modern Periodontal Care • Hard/Soft Tissue Laser • Mercury-free Practice • Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation • TMD/TMJ Support • Conscious Sedation • Fountain of Youth Dentures • KöR® Teeth Whitening Services and products we o er: 760.568.3602 44239 Monterey Avenue • Palm Desert PalmDesertSmiles.com Follow us! www.desertvascularassociates.com "Dr. Anna Gasparyan is an absolute godsend. She is so kind and caring and truly cares about her patients. We have never received this type of care anywhere else and are forever grateful." – CWC 760.902.1511 74000 Country Club Drive, Ste. G-3 Palm Desert DesertVascularAssociates.com Special Interests: Varicose Veins/Venous Insufficiency Carotid Artery Disease Aortic Aneurysms Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Dialysis Access Chemotherapy Port Insertion Personalized quality care delivered with compassion and integrity Anna Gasparyan, MD, FACS Vascular Surgeon Before After Accepting new patients and most major insurance plans Oral side effects are easy to manage once understood. Not many people are aware of the effects Ozempic and other semaglutide medications can have on the mouth. However, in clinical observation, many dentists are seeing oral side effects that are now commonly referred to as “Ozempic teeth.” Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is an injection used along with exercise and diet to improve glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, which can ultimately help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. Ozempic functions by mimicking a hormone known as glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone functions to stimulate insulin release, which helps lower blood sugar levels, slows down the digestion process allowing one to feel full longer, and helps suppress appetite. Overall, semaglutide medications help to improve blood sugar control which can ultimately lead to weight loss in patients with obesity. If you are currently taking or plan to take this medication, it is important to understand possible side effects on the oral cavity. • GLP-1 medications can possibly reduce thirst, leading to less saliva and xerostomia, or dry mouth. Unfortunately, when one experiences diminished salivary flow, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. •Bad breath not only happens with dry mouth linked to “Ozempic teeth,” but also due to GLP-1 medications' action on the digestive system. Ozempic works to slow down digestion, which can lead to acid reflux due to the delayed stomach emptying. Acid reflux moves stomach acids back up to the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth, which can result in sour, smelly breath that seems to linger. Oral Impact of GLP-1 Medications By Sarah Khoshniyati, DDS In today’s digital world, simply having a website or social media account is no longer enough. People are constantly searching online, comparing providers and making decisions, but what truly inspires them to act isn’t visibility—it’s credibility. And credibility, in this era, is built through trust. Trust has become the most powerful marketing tool. It´s no longer about saying how great you are; it´s about showing how others have experienced what you offer. That proof often comes in the form of testimonials, online reviews and authentic success stories. These are the modern “word-of-mouth” recommendations—shared publicly and available for anyone to see—helping potential customers feel confident that they’re making the right choice. Studies consistently show that reviews influence decisions: more than 70% of people say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. For any business or professional service, this means that every positive story shared online reinforces your credibility and differentiates you from others offering similar solutions. Behind every review or testimonial is a story, a human experience that resonates far beyond statistics or ads. When people see authentic stories from others who've benefited from your work or products, it helps them envision what their own experience might look like; it builds a sense of connection even before the first interaction. That emotional bridge between seeing and believing is what transforms an online visitor into a loyal customer. Here are a few intentional steps to build a trust-centered presence: • Encourage feedback. Invite satisfied customers to share their experience, making the process easy and genuine. • Showcase stories. With proper consent, feature short testimonials or videos on your website and social platforms. • Respond openly. Engaging with comments and reviews, both positive and negative, shows transparency and care. • Keep it real. Authenticity resonates far more than polished marketing language. Trust isn't built on perfection, but on consistent connection. Sharing authentic stories online helps businesses strengthen their bond with their communities, reminding audiences that behind every service or product, there’s a genuine commitment to deliver value and care. Effectively managing an online presence and crafting compelling narratives demand both time and intention. Many businesses understand the power of testimonials but struggle to find the right approach that balances authenticity, storytelling and strategy. That’s where collaboration can help. Working with experienced digital professionals can make it easier to capture, curate and share these stories in ways that align naturally with your brand. From testimonial videos to trust-centered social media campaigns, a collaboration can elevate your online presence so it authentically reflects the quality, integrity and empathy your audience already values. In a world overflowing with information, trust remains the deciding factor. By sharing authentic experiences with honesty and empathy, businesses can transform their online presence from simple visibility to lasting credibility, turning every story shared into an opportunity to connect, inspire and grow with purpose. Isning Gamez is an award-winning producer and founder of Isning Multimedia. He can be reached at (760) 610.4106. www.Isning.com. Trust Is the New Marketing Online strategies for your business By Isning Gamez

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