Most common causes of cavities in the teeth — and how to prevent them

Cavities are incredibly common, affecting 90% of adults between the ages of 19 and 64 — but they are often preventable.

Also known as "dental caries," cavities are damaged areas in the hard parts of the teeth caused by tooth decay, according to Mayo Clinic.

These areas become tiny openings or holes that can lead to toothaches, infections and even tooth loss.

When a cavity is just starting, you may not have any symptoms at all. That’s why it’s important to be checked regularly at a dentist, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Even if your mouth feels fine, a professional may be able to pick up on smaller signals before the decay grows.

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Once the decay gets larger, there may be symptoms like toothaches, sharp pains when eating, visible holes in the teeth, staining on the surface of a tooth or pain when biting.

Dental plaque forming in the mouth is what leads to tooth decay, the process that creates cavities.

Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth mixes with "sugary or starchy food" like milk, juice, bread and pasta, according to Cleveland Clinic.

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If those sugars and starches are not removed from the teeth through healthy habits, like regular flossing and brushing after meals, bacteria begin feeding on them, the above source states.

The acids from bacteria strip away tooth enamel, leaving tiny openings that mark the beginning stages of a cavity. Bacteria and acid can enter through these holes and reach the vulnerable inner parts of the teeth, causing pain and more severe problems.

Fox News Digital previously spoke to Dr. Ricky Marshall about the impact of stomach acid and saliva production on dental health.

"The amount of acid coming up and contacting the teeth will absolutely contribute to increased tooth decay," said Marshall, who is the owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona, and a dentist at Wolff Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Queen Creek, Arizona.

"A combination of dry mouth and increased stomach acid can be detrimental to teeth," he said.

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Dry mouth, linked to causes like snoring and potentially certain medications, can increase the risk of tooth decay due to reduced saliva production.

"Your saliva clears away the acid and helps to repair the enamel," the CDC states on its website. "If the repair isn't fast enough, bacteria get inside your tooth and make cavities." 

Cleveland Clinic recommends brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled brush twice a day, and ideally after every meal.

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Experts also recommend cutting back on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. As mentioned above, these can mix with bacteria and promote the buildup of dental plaque.

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"You should visit your dentist every year, especially to find any cavities," the CDC advises.

For small cavities, your dentist may recommend using fluoride or other products. Large cavities may require fillings or even root canals.

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What your blood quietly reveals about your eating habits

Blood and urine tests have been found to detect the amount of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) a person eats, according to new research.

Using machine learning, scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) identified hundreds of metabolites (molecules produced during metabolism) that correlated with processed food intake.

The team developed a "biomarker score" that predicts ultraprocessed food intake based on metabolite measurements in blood and urine, according to Erikka Loftfield, Ph.D., M.P.H., of the National Cancer Institute in Maryland.

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The researchers drew baseline data from 718 older adults who provided urine and blood samples and reported their dietary habits over a 12-month period, as detailed in an NIH press release.

Next, they conducted a small clinical trial of 20 adults. For two weeks, the group ate a diet high in ultraprocessed foods, and for another two weeks they ate a diet with no UPFs.

"In our study, we found that hundreds of serum and urine metabolites were correlated with percentage energy from ultraprocessed food intake," Loftfield told Fox News Digital.

The findings were published in the journal PLOS Medicine.

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Large-scale studies investigating the health risks of ultraprocessed foods often rely on self-reported dietary questionnaires, which can be prone to errors, per the NIH.

The new blood and urine test helps to reduce human error by using objective biomarkers, a growing area of interest among researchers.

Loftfield added, "It was surprising to find that UPF-correlated metabolites are involved in numerous and diverse biological pathways, underscoring the complex impact of diet on the metabolome."

Ultraprocessed foods are defined as "ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat, industrially manufactured products, typically high in calories and low in essential nutrients," according to the NIH.

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Chronic diseases, obesity and various forms of cancer have been linked to diets that are heavy in UPFs.

Despite promising results, the researchers emphasized that the new method will require further validation before broader use.

Since the current trial focused mainly on older adults, more research is needed across various age groups and diets, the experts said.

"Metabolite scores should be evaluated and improved in populations with different diets and a wide range of UPF intake," Loftfield acknowledged.

This method could potentially be used in future research to link the consumption of processed foods with chronic diseases, according to the researchers.

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"For individuals concerned about ultraprocessed food intake, one practical recommendation is to use ‘nutrition facts’ labels to avoid foods high in added sugars, saturated fat and sodium, as this can limit UPF intake and align with robust scientific research on diet and health," Loftfield suggested.

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Sperm donor's genetic mutation linked to cancer in 10 conceived children

Sperm from a single donor in Europe has reportedly been used to conceive at least 67 pregnancies, although the donor carried a rare cancer-causing mutation.

The donor’s mutation has been linked to cancer diagnoses in 10 of these children, according to a report by The Guardian.

The case was brought to light after two families separately contacted their fertility clinics after their children's cancer diagnoses were linked to a rare genetic variant called TP53.

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A mutation in the TP53 gene causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which increases the risk of developing cancer. Cleveland Clinic states that this disorder comes with a 90% chance of developing some type of cancer by age 60, and a 50% chance by the age of 40.

The European Sperm Bank, the sperm supplier, confirmed that this variant was present in some of the donor’s sperm.

The Guardian reported that the rare variant was "not known to be linked to cancer at the time of donation in 2008."

The genetic variant reportedly would not have been detectable through standard screening, and the donor is said to currently be in good health.

Dr Edwige Kasper, a biologist at Rouen University Hospital in France, presented this case at the European Society of Human Genetics’ annual conference in Milan last week, commenting on the need for a European limit on the number of births or families for a single donor.

"We can’t do whole-genome sequencing for all sperm donors – I’m not arguing for that," she told The Guardian. "But this is the abnormal dissemination of genetic disease. Not every man has 75 children across Europe."

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Kasper analyzed the mutation in her lab, concluding that it was most likely cancer-causing and that children born from this donor should "receive genetic counseling."

The research-turned-investigation tracked down 67 children from 46 families in eight European countries. The children were tested, with the variant detected in 23 of them.

The 10 who had been diagnosed with cancer reportedly included cases of leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, the European Sperm Bank stated that donor-assisted reproduction "generally remains a significantly safer alternative" than reproduction without genetic screening.

The bank added that sperm donors undergo a "comprehensive health screening," which includes an in-depth medical examination, a review of the donor’s family medical history and "extensive" testing for genetic and infectious diseases.

"However, it’s not possible to rule out all risks — and, in this particular case, the identified mutation is one that could not have been detected by the screening methods we use in accordance with regulations and would require specialized genetic testing," the group noted.

Julie Paulli Budtz, VP. of corporate communications at the European Sperm Bank, expressed to Fox News Digital that they are "deeply affected by this case."

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"The donor has been thoroughly tested even beyond the required standards, but preventative genetic screening is reaching its limits here," she said. 

"Every human being has about 20,000 genes, and it is scientifically simply not possible to detect disease-causing mutations in a person’s gene pool if you don’t know what you are looking for."

Budtz noted that the European Sperm Bank welcomes "continued dialogue" regarding setting an "internationally binding family limit," which they have advocated for "on several occasions, also at EU level." 

"This is also why, in addition to complying with national pregnancy limits, we have proactively implemented our own international limit of 75 families per donor," she added.

In the U.S., there is no official legal limit on how many sperm donations one man can make.

However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that donors are limited to 25 live births within each population area of 800,000 people.

"Institutions, clinics and sperm banks should maintain sufficient records to allow a limit to be set for the number of pregnancies for which a given donor is responsible," the ASRM states on its website.

California Cryobank, which has claimed to have the largest selection of sperm and egg donations in the country, states on its website that it closely monitors donors to limit the total number of family units to 20 to 30 worldwide. 

"Limiting donor vials is an important part of the process," the bank noted.

The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sperm donors undergo a physical exam, complete a questionnaire, provide their medical history, and undergo screenings for infectious diseases at an FDA-approved lab.

In addition, the ASRM suggests that donors undergo psychological and genetic screening, and also recommends infectious-disease testing of the recipient and the recipient's sexually intimate partners, per its website.

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"Legal consultation and laws may vary by state," the organization notes.

At California Cryobank, donors must be tested for infectious diseases, undergo genetic screening, get a psychological assessment and criminal background check, and receive screening for the Zika virus, according to the bank's website.

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Miley Cyrus' 'brutal infection' has doctors discussing possible causes

After filming a music video on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Miley Cyrus said she was recently hospitalized with a knee infection, prompting doctors to weigh in on how certain environments can expose people to harmful bacteria.

On a Thursday episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Cyrus, 32, recalled the moment she filmed her "Something Beautiful" visual album and then landed in the ICU. 

"I filmed this video in October [2024] by November at Thanksgiving, I was put in the ICU for a moment — just for a moment," the singer said.

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Cyrus described rolling on the sidewalk as part of her shoot, and shortly after, she developed symptoms that required intensive medical attention.

"I caught something," she remarked. "My leg began to disintegrate ... around the kneecap area. And then the doctor goes, 'Do you have any idea why you would have such a brutal infection on your kneecap?’"

While the singer did not disclose a specific diagnosis, medical experts say her case is a reminder of how everyday public spaces can present hidden health hazards.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News senior medical analyst, noted that extremely aggressive bacteria are not common in urban settings.

"Flesh-eating bacteria on city streets is very rare," Siegel, who did not treat Cyrus, told Fox News Digital. "Rat urine can cause leptospirosis, a bacteria that causes flu-like symptoms."

The doctor said he believes the likely cause was a more typical bacterial infection rather than something exotic, although common bacteria can cause serious skin reactions.

"Strep or staph bacteria are common causes of skin infection like cellulitis," said Siegel. "Bacteria can be found [on streets], like E. coli, shigella and enterococci, which are from fecal matter, and may get onto the bottoms of shoes," he added.

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These infections do not typically originate from the street itself, the doctor said, but can develop when skin comes in contact with bacteria, which can happen during close exposure to surfaces like sidewalks.

The risk of infection often increases when the skin is broken or irritated, allowing bacteria to enter the body more easily.

Even minor cuts and scrapes can become gateways for infection when exposed to contaminated surfaces, according to Dr. Ken Perry, an emergency medicine physician in Charleston, South Carolina.

"For most patients, these infections are contracted from open wounds in the skin or some other breach in the skin barrier," Perry, who also did not treat Cyrus, told Fox News Digital.

Such infections are usually easily treated with common antibiotics, according to the doctor.

Cyrus’ shoot put her in close contact with one of the busiest sidewalks in the country, which doctors say can heighten the danger.

"In the case of Miley Cyrus, she states that she contracted this after rolling around on the ground during the filming of her music video," said Perry.

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"The foot traffic could easily contaminate the area with bacteria from animal or even human sources," he hypothesized.

"For the majority of the population, rolling around on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not common behavior, but even casual interaction could put an individual in contact with harmful bacteria," Perry added.

Doctors agree that basic hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid infection, especially in public spaces.

"The best way to keep this from happening is to be fastidious with hygiene," said Perry.

"We know to wash our hands after being in public to keep from possibly transferring bacteria to the mucus membranes of our eyes, or even ingesting bacteria."

Experts recommend covering wounds and washing them as soon as possible if exposed to public environments.

"If the cut or scrape occurs while out in public, make sure to wash with soap and water," Perry advised.  "If an individual has a cut or some break in the skin, it is best to keep it covered, especially when out in public."

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It is important to seek medical care if there are signs of redness, swelling or drainage, as these could be signs of a worsening bacterial infection, the doctor cautioned.

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Study reveals 10 happiest states for seniors: Did yours make the list?

Where you live can have a big impact on your mental health.

Particularly for seniors, it’s important to settle down in a location that promotes happiness.

Older adults face a higher risk of mental health problems due to circumstances like the loss of loved ones, loneliness, chronic illness or disability, medications, changes brought on by retirement and other stressors, according to the National Council on Aging.

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Caring.com, a senior care resource, recently released its Senior Happiness Index, revealing where in the country seniors are happiest based on WalletHub’s state happiness roundup.

Experts analyzed various factors like happiness levels per state, cost of living, average life expectancy, health rates in residents over 60 and the number of senior centers per state.

Below are the results for the top 10 happiest states for seniors.

Utah claimed the No. 1 spot for the most content seniors, with a happiness score of 7.69 out of 10.

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According to the study, Utah’s high rank is due to its "supportive environment" for senior living, good senior health and the third-lowest percentage (21.48%) of seniors living alone, which reduces the risk of social isolation.

The researchers mentioned that more than two-fifths of seniors in Utah volunteer, which is the highest rate in the U.S.

Volunteering allows the state’s aging population to "stay connected and involved with their community," Caring.com commented, which "contributes significantly" to well-being and happiness.

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Idaho followed closely behind, with an overall happiness score of 7.38 out of 10.

Less than a quarter of seniors in Idaho live alone, the second-lowest rate in the country, and the state ranks in the top five for senior centers.

"Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Idaho offers seniors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting both physical and mental well-being," Caring.com added.

Connecticut and Delaware tied for No. 3, scoring a 7.01 out of 10 on the happiness scale.

Connecticut has the third-highest average life expectancy and is among the top 10 states for overall health.

Only 7.2% of Connecticut residents lack health insurance, which ensures access to necessary medical services for the aging population.

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Connecticut also offers a variety of discounted cultural and immersive experiences for seniors, such as museums, parks, libraries and arts events.

According to Caring.com, Delaware is regarded as one of the "happiest and most supportive states for later life."

The state ranks in the top 10 for overall senior health and happiness, and in the top five for the lowest percentage of people living alone.

Caring.com considered Delaware’s cost of living index "relatively affordable," which can help residents maintain a "comfortable and independent lifestyle."

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Other states stood out in these categories, including North Dakota for the most senior centers per 100,000 population and West Virginia for the most affordable cost of living.

Hawaii has the lowest percentage of seniors over 65 years old living alone, the highest average life expectancy and the highest senior state of happiness.

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Smoking marijuana and eating cannabis gummies both linked to dangerous health risk, study finds

Long-term cannabis use in any form has been linked to a greater risk of heart disease.

In a new study, researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same impact on cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana.

The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, according to the study, which was published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28.

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The study included 55 people between 18 and 50 years of age who were "outwardly healthy." 

The participants were divided into three groups: those who regularly smoked marijuana, those who ate edibles containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and those who didn’t use cannabis, according to a UCSF press release.

The cannabis users had been consuming the substance at least three times weekly for at least one year. 

On average, the smokers had the habit for 10 years, while those consuming edibles had been doing so for five years, the release noted.

In September 2024, the participants underwent testing to determine how well their blood vessels functioned and whether the cells lining the blood vessels were affected. 

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All cannabis users were found to have "decreased vascular function," comparable to those who smoke tobacco.

Their blood vessel function was roughly half compared to those who did not use cannabis.

This side effect has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions, the researchers noted.

The participants who smoked marijuana were also found to have changes in their blood serum that harmed cells lining their blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, an effect that was not seen in those who ate edible cannabis.

The researchers noted that while smoking marijuana and consuming edibles both affect vascular function, they likely do so for different reasons.

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"Chronic cannabis smoking and THC ingestion were associated with endothelial dysfunction [impaired functioning of the endothelial cells lining the inside of blood vessels] similar to that observed in tobacco smokers, although apparently occurring via distinct mechanisms," the researchers wrote.

"This study enhances the understanding of the potential risks to vascular health linked to cannabis use and provides more evidence that cannabis use is not benign."

Dr. Bradley Serwer, a Maryland-based cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company that offers cardiovascular and anesthesiology services to hospitals nationwide, said he was not surprised by the study’s findings.

"We have known that the chronic use of THC-containing compounds can have negative health consequences — this study just reaffirms those prior studies," Serwer, who was not involved in the UCSF research, told Fox News Digital. 

The study did have some limitations.

"Variability in cannabis strains complicates standardization," the researchers wrote. "Self-reported cannabis use may introduce recall bias; thus, participants were queried at multiple points: in the online survey, at the eligibility interview and before each visit."

It was also challenging to determine whether blood vessel function could have also been affected by lifestyle factors like stress, caffeine and secondhand smoke exposure, they noted.

Serwer pointed out that this was a "very small" study of only 55 people, all living in the San Francisco Bay area. 

"The study did not allow for variability in the different strains of cannabis, and they used a self-reporting survey, which can be under- or over-reported," he told Fox News Digital.

"They looked for physiologic endpoints and not hard endpoints, such as heart attacks, strokes or death. We have to infer that the physiologic endpoints would result in cardiovascular events."

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The cardiologist said he agreed, however, with the conclusion that cannabis use is "not benign."

"Chronic use does have potential cardiovascular risks," he warned. "There are therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the decision to use or avoid it should be made with all benefits and risks in mind."

In general, Serwer said he cautions all of his patients to avoid any unnecessary cardiac risks. 

"As clinicians, we must weigh the benefits and the risks of a medicine/drug or intervention," he said. "If the risks outweigh the benefits, it should be avoided."

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The study was funded mainly by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the California Department of Cannabis Control; the California Tobacco-Related Disease Program; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. 

Fox News Digital reached out to cannabis industry organizations requesting comment.

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When 2-year-old goes into cardiac arrest, parents take life-saving action

Most parents of toddlers worry about sleep habits and sniffles, but heart failure isn’t usually a concern.

It certainly wasn’t on the Thomases’ radar when their 2-year-old son went into sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night at their Illinois home.

When the child woke up screaming, his parents ran into the room. 

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"Hearing him scream out was alarming, as he usually slept soundly, and it was a horrible cry," Stephanie Thomas told Fox News Digital.

"When I went into his room, he continued to scream out and then face-plant into his crib." 

At first, the Thomases thought their son was just having a night terror, so Stephanie — who is a clinical dietitian at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois — sat next to his crib with her hand on his back, trying to calm him down.

"When he finally settled, I could feel his breathing slowly come to a stop," she recalled. "I picked him up out of his crib and placed him on the floor. With him being unresponsive, I felt for a pulse and started CPR."

"I was petrified and confused about how my seemingly healthy 2-year-old was in this situation."

As Stephanie performed CPR, her husband, Kris, called 911.

Emergency responders rushed the boy to OSF HealthCare. After 11 days of testing, he was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, a very rare heart condition that can cause sudden cardiac arrest and death. 

Though there can be some signs of Brugada syndrome, such as fainting or passing out, the condition is often not discovered until cardiac arrest occurs. 

The Thomases’ son had a similar incident about a month before the cardiac arrest, which they now believe may have been his first episode. 

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"He woke up in the middle of the night with a horrible scream, had some gasping and was hard to calm," Stephanie recalled. "It was only a short period, and once he calmed, he seemed ‘normal.’ We assumed it was a night terror."

As Brugada syndrome is often inherited, the Thomases were both tested for genetic abnormalities, but it was determined that their son's syndrome is a "mosaic defect," which is when there are two or more genetically different sets of cells in the body.

The OSF team implanted the young boy with an EV-ICD (extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator), which is positioned outside the heart's blood vessels. It is designed to detect and correct any abnormal heart rhythms. 

This was the first time the device was implanted in a child at such a young age, the hospital noted in a press release.

Since the first episode, the Thomases’ son has been hospitalized six more times. Each time an abnormal heart rhythm is detected, the EV-ICD delivers a "life-saving shock" to the boy’s heart.

"Our son acts and appears healthy more than 99% of the time, until his heart gets into an arrhythmia that his body and medication cannot manage on their own," Stephanie told Fox News Digital. "In these cases, he receives a shock from his ICD."

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The boy has been readmitted to the hospital due to arrhythmias and medication titration seven times since his initial discharge, his mother added.

Sunita Ferns, M.D., a pediatric electrophysiologist at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center who is treating the Thomases' son, noted that her young patient is now "married to cardiology."

"We monitor these devices constantly. If we see any arrhythmia in the background, despite the medication he's on, we can offer him other technologies," Dr. Ferns said in the OSF press release. 

"Ablative technologies can help modify the substrate, which is the tissue that's responsible for the bad rhythm." 

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To help control his arrhythmias, the boy also takes a compounded oral medication every six hours, which he will take for the rest of his life.

The parents said it can be challenging to navigate the episodes with a 2-year-old who can’t understand what’s happening.

"The hardest part is when he says things like, ‘I can’t use the elephant blankie because it shocked me,’" Stephanie said. "He makes these associations between being shocked and the objects or places around him."

There are specific triggers for the boy’s arrhythmias, the Thomases have learned, such as low-grade fevers and even slight illnesses, like a cold. 

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"It is vital that we keep him as healthy as we can — which can be challenging with him being an active 2-year-old and having a 4-year-old," Stephanie said.

"We make sure that he stays up to date on his and our whole family's vaccines. We do our best to tightly regulate any temperatures."

The Thomases now aim to raise awareness of the importance of having CPR training, being alert to warning signs and putting an emergency plan in place. 

As a healthcare employee, Stephanie has maintained her Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for over 10 years. 

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"I have always said that I work with doctors and nurses, so felt that this was something I would never use — but the doctors and nurses were not in my house the night my son went into cardiac arrest, so it was left to me."

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Hoda Kotb reveals daughter's concerning diagnosis influenced her exit from 'Today'

Hoda Kotb, longtime host of NBC’s "The Today Show," is speaking out about the deeper reasons she decided to leave her post.

Kotb returned as a guest on Wednesday for the first time since her departure from "Today" in January.

During the appearance, she revealed that her younger daughter, Hope, 6, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

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Kotb, 60, noted that spending more time with both her daughters, including Haley, 8, was one of her motivations for leaving.

She told TODAY.com that Hope’s condition "definitely weighed in."

"As anyone with a child who has type 1, especially a little kid, you're constantly watching, you're constantly monitoring, you're constantly checking, which is what I did all the time when I was [at ‘Today']," she said. "You’re distracted."

"You just get a priority check in your life," Kotb expressed to co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin during the segment. "I can be here and sweating what’s happening to Hope in the morning and in the night, or I can be there and feel relief."

Kotb stressed that she tries not to "put her worry" on Hope, adding that her daughter is "fine for most of the day."

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"There are just moments where you have to watch her," Kotb said. "I was totaling it up — five minutes at breakfast, five minutes at lunch, five minutes at dinner, sometimes overnight."

"Add that up, that's a half-hour. So, for 23 ½ hours, she's every other kid. So, I try to remember that."

The Cleveland Clinic defines type 1 diabetes as a chronic autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin.

This requires daily management with insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring.

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Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system "mistakenly attacks and destroys cells" in the pancreas, which can happen over months or years, the above source stated.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include excessive thirst and hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and slow healing of cuts and sores.

In comparison, type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance. This can cause the pancreas to not produce enough insulin and the body to not use the insulin as it should.

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Obesity and lack of exercise, among other lifestyle and genetic factors, can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, according to experts.

Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 and is more likely to occur in older adults, while type 1 is most prevalent in children and young adults.

Kotb shared with TODAY.com that Hope’s early symptoms mimicked the flu and were so severe that she had to be "raced" to the hospital.

Now that Kotb knows how to handle Hope’s condition, she’s offering her space to be a regular kid, she said.

"Don't put your worry on your kid," she advised fellow parents. 

"Watch them, but don't put your worry on them. Let them be kids and give them what they need when they need it."

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Is Ozempic ruining your teeth? What to know about impact on dental health

Despite their widely touted benefits — primarily weight loss and diabetes control, among others — GLP-1 medications have also been linked to some unwelcome side effects.

In addition to the main complaints of gastrointestinal issues, some lesser-known side effects have emerged, including mood changes, hair loss and "Ozempic face."

Now, there are rumblings on social media from patients and doctors suggesting that weight-loss drugs could be linked to tooth decay and gum issues like irritation and bleeding. 

WEIGHT-LOSS, DIABETES DRUGS LINKED TO VISION PROBLEMS IN SMALL STUDY

Ozempic teeth, much like Ozempic face, is a term coined online to describe a characteristic that some believe could be related to their use of weight-loss and diabetes drugs.

The characteristic in question is an increase in dental problems when using GLP-1s, although there is not yet any scientific evidence that the two are linked.

Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and acid reflux are all widely reported side effects of Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs.

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"Patients have reported dry mouth while on Ozempic in both dental practices I work in," Dr. Ricky Marshall, owner of Stratland Dental in Glendale, Arizona, and dentist at Wolff Family Dentistry & Orthodontics in Queen Creek, Arizona, told Fox News Digital.

While Ozempic itself may not be triggering the increased tooth decay, side effects like dry mouth are "likely the main cause" of some of the dental problems people are experiencing, according to Marshall.

Additionally, he noted, Ozempic is reported to increase stomach acid because the medication works by slowing down digestion.

WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS’ IMPACT ON CANCER RISK REVEALED IN NEW STUDY

When increased stomach acid leads to acid reflux, heartburn or vomiting, the acid's contact with the teeth "will absolutely contribute" to increased decay, Marshall said.

Dr. Whitney White of Aspen Dental in Las Vegas said she hasn’t personally seen any patients experiencing oral health issues linked to GLP-1s.

"I do encourage all of my patients to be open about what medications they are taking, as they can contribute to issues like dry mouth," she told Fox News Digital. 

"Dry mouth leads to plaque buildup, which in turn leads to cavities and sensitivity."

Antacids are one solution to acid reflux, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

These over-the-counter medicines neutralize stomach acid so that when reflux happens, it isn’t as corrosive to the esophagus.

Although these medications can be effective for occasional acid reflux, Cleveland Clinic warned that they can have side effects if taken too often, so they likely "aren’t a good long-term solution."

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To alleviate dry mouth, the above source recommends chewing sugarless gum to promote saliva production and drinking plenty of water, among other remedies.

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The clinic also recommends that individuals "take medications that cause dry mouth in the morning, not at night," because dry mouth at night is more likely to cause cavities and other dental issues.

Fox News Digital reached out to Novo Nordisk (maker of Ozempic and Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound) for comment. Neither company includes mention of dental-related side effects in the drugs' prescribing information.

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Scientists may have discovered why the pounds come back after losing weight

Many factors lead to the frustrating cycle of weight gain and weight loss — but the driving force may be fat cells keeping a memory of obesity.

That’s according to a recent study that was first published in the journal Nature last fall.

Researchers say that fat cells influence abnormal metabolic pathways in the body long after pounds are shed, which could make it more likely for people to regain weight.

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The team of Swiss scientists were curious whether regaining weight after slimming down is due to "metabolic memory," where the body remembers and strives to return to its former state of obesity.

They analyzed chemical markers on fat cells in mice who were fed a high-fat diet. Next, when the mice were fed only a standard meal, the researchers analyzed their fatty tissue after they had lost weight, according to the study write-up.

The team then compared these samples to a lean mice group that was fed a standard meal to see if the chemical markers on the fat cells were associated with unhealthy changes in the body.

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The mice on the high-fat diet continued to have unhealthy changes in their metabolism after losing weight, including more difficulty in regulating sugar metabolism, more inflammation and abnormal fat storage.

Mice who were previously obese gained weight faster compared to the control group after they ate a high-fat diet — suggesting a continued impairment in metabolism after losing weight, the researchers found.

The study also looked at human samples, analyzing how the genes in fat cells can lead to unhealthy changes in the body as they did in mice. 

The researchers analyzed the fatty tissues of participants before and after they underwent bariatric surgery, comparing them to the fatty cells of lean individuals who did not have a history of obesity.

In obese individuals, the genes from fat cells continued to function abnormally in the body, leading to more inflammation and metabolic problems two years after losing weight.

One limitation of the study is that it only looked at one type of cell – fat cells. More research is needed to determine whether other cells or tissues in the body also keep a memory of being overweight, the researchers acknowledged.

Fat cells indeed have a memory of being obese, which can make it easier to regain weight and stay in a state that promotes inflammation and metabolic issues, confirmed Gretchen Zimmermann, registered dietitian and vice president of clinical strategy at Vida Health, a virtual obesity care provider. (She was not part of the study.)

"This recent research suggests that after someone loses weight, their fat cells don’t fully go back to 'normal,’" Zimmermann told Fox News Digital. 

But while biology plays a critical role in obesity, it’s not everything, she cautioned.

"A complex mix of genetics, biology, environment, psychology, medications and social determinants all shape obesity," Zimmermann said.

Healthy habits can counteract the genetics that promote weight gain.

Ideally, the expert said, this entails getting a combination of physical activity (including strength training), a sufficient amount of protein and fiber, and phytonutrients from plants that counter oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, according to Zimmermann. 

"Keep moving, eating real food and building muscle," she said.

"These behaviors reduce inflammation, improve blood sugar control, contribute to a healthy microbiome and protect metabolism — even if weight doesn’t drop much or stays the same."

For some, however, the underlying issue may lie in epigenetics, which involves how a person’s behaviors and surrounding environment influence how genes work in the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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"Obesity is a chronic relapsing condition that has an epigenetic cause," Dr. Caroline Apovian, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women's Hospital, told Fox News Digital.

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People who are more prone to storing calories may have a harder time losing weight and keeping it off through diet and exercise, compared to those who may have an easier time, according to Apovian, who was not involved in the study.

Fox News Digital reached out to the study authors for comment. 

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American honeymoon hotspot hit by highly contagious illness, health officials warn

While cases of measles continue to spread throughout the U.S., Hawaii is reporting a new type of infectious spread.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise at a "worrying rate" in the Aloha State, the State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) confirmed last week in a news release.

As of May 15, there have been 108 cases of pertussis reported, already exceeding the 84 total cases in 2024.

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The DOH labeled pertussis a "highly contagious respiratory disease" that spreads through the air when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms often resemble a cold but can progress to "intense coughing fits."

For children, these coughing fits can be followed by a "deep breath" that makes a "whooping" sound.

"Health complications can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants and young children who are not fully vaccinated," the DOH warned.

Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, apnea, encephalopathy (a disease of the brain) and death.

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The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination, according to the DOH.

The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine is administered to children under 7 years old and the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is for older children and adults.

Multiple doses are generally recommended for infants, children and adults.

"High vaccination rates protect individuals and communities and prevent cases from becoming outbreaks," the agency noted.

"However, vaccination rates for all routinely recommended vaccinations for school entry – including those for measles, pertussis, polio and varicella (chickenpox) – have declined nationally and in Hawaii since 2019."

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Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel confirmed that Hawaii is below the national average in terms of childhood vaccines, noting that the DTaP vaccine is "highly effective" in children, with close to 100% protection with appropriate dosages.

"Pertussis is insidious, and can be easily mistaken for other respiratory diseases, including viruses," Siegel told Fox News Digital. 

"Pertussis, which is a bacteria, can be treated with antibiotics like doxycycline but is easily missed. The best protection is vaccination, including repeated boosters in teens and adults."

Siegel explained that the "characteristic whoop" sound among children is caused by clogged airways that are not yet well-developed.

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About one-third of babies under 1 year who contract whooping cough are at risk of hospitalization, according to the doctor.

"The best protection is for everyone around them to be vaccinated," he said. "Pertussis outbreaks are now connected to a drop-off in early childhood vaccination."

Neha Pathak, MD, WebMD chief physician editor, echoed that pertussis is "still a significant public health threat," especially for infants and people with weakened immune systems.

"The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine offers strong protection to children — about 98 out of 100 children are protected for at least a year after the fifth dose, and about 70% are still protected for up to five years," she said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

While vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) can provide lifelong protection, pertussis immunity decreases over time, which means boosters are necessary for adolescents and adults, Pathak noted.

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"The uptick in pertussis cases is concerning, but not surprising given what we are seeing with vaccine hesitancy," she commented.

"Pregnant women should also get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester to pass antibodies to their newborns, protecting them before they can be vaccinated," the doctor suggested. 

Hawaii confirmed two cases of measles in early April and concluded there was no further community spread.

Despite the current situation being under control, the health department warned that measles exposure is still a threat among travelers.

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"Measles cases in the United States continue to rise, with more than 1,000 cases already reported across 30 states this year," the department noted.

"The risk remains high for future travel-related measles cases reaching Hawaii, and DOH recommends continued vigilance and efforts to increase the MMR vaccination rate."

The DOH stressed its "strong" recommendation for children and adults to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations for disease prevention.

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CDC removes COVID vaccine recommendation for healthy children and pregnant women

The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for healthy children or pregnant women, according to new guidance from health officials.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared a video on X Tuesday announcing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed the vaccines from the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for those groups.

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"Last year, the Biden administration urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot, despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children," said Kennedy in the video, in which he appears alongside FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya.

"That ends today — it's common sense and it's good science,"  Bhattacharya added. 

Makary also chimed in, noting that there's no evidence healthy kids need the COVID vaccine and that most countries have stopped recommending it for children.

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"We're now one step closer to realizing President Trump's promise to make America healthy again," Kennedy concluded.

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The CDC previously recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older get the COVID vaccine.

Fox News Digital reached out to Pfizer and Moderna to request comment.

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Zone 2 training: The trending workout that burns fat without intense exercise

An exercise that takes a more mild approach while offering all the fat-burning benefits of a more grueling workout might sound too good to be true.

But some claim that the trending "Zone 2" training, commonly known as the "fat-burning zone," offers just that.

What is this form of exercise — and can it work for anyone?

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"Zone training is generally defined by someone's proximity to their maximum heart rate," Carmine Ciliento, a fitness manager at Crunch Fitness in New York, told Fox News Digital.

The zone-based training method measures how hard the body is working and how it's using energy. 

Different zones burn different compounds in the body, according to Ciliento.

"Zone 2 is working out at about 60% to 70% of someone’s maximum heart rate," he said.

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The most common way to determine heart rate is to subtract a person's age from 220. This means a 55-year-old would have an approximate maximum heart rate of 220 - 55 = 165 bpm.

Wearable heart rate monitors and sports watches can be used to track heart rate while working out, and many cardiovascular fitness machines also calculate it.

When someone is working out, their heart rate zone indicates their level of exertion and what they're utilizing for energy, according to exercise physiologist Chris Travers via Cleveland Clinic.

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The higher the heart rate gets, the more carbohydrates and protein the body burns for energy, and the less it relies on fat for fuel.

While exercising in Zone 2, roughly 65% of the calories burned are from fat, according to Cleveland Clinic.

"Zone 2 is especially valuable because it allows you to add cardio volume to your training without overstressing your body," Ciliento told Fox News Digital.

"For people just starting out, anything above Zone 2 may be too intense, so a lot of their work will most likely need to begin in this zone."

Athletes and those who are already into fitness may not reap as many benefits from Zone 2 as those who are just starting out. 

Ciliento, who is an endurance athlete, said he sees Zone 2 as a great tool for recovery efforts.

Cleveland Clinic defines Zones 1, 2 and 3 as moderate-intensity aerobic activity. 

In Zone 2, you should be able to hold a "light conversation," but may need to take a break from talking to take a breath now and then, according to Cleveland Clinic. 

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This is sometimes referred to as the "talk test."

When in Zone 2, Travers told Cleveland Clinic, "You’re in a moderately easy zone. Not everyone should stress about the numbers, especially if that becomes a barrier to enjoying exercise."

For most people, a brisk walk will get them into Zone 2, Ciliento noted.

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Other moderate-intensity aerobic exercises include biking, swimming or even mowing the lawn, according to Mayo Clinic.

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Beer drinkers beware: Scientists find 'forever chemicals' exceeding EPA limits in American brews

Recent studies have found that some beers brewed in the US have high levels of "forever chemicals" and are considered above the allowed EPA limit.

A team from the ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology conducted a study to find out how polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or "forever chemicals" get into beers and how much they contain.

"As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints. I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours," research lead Jennifer Hoponick Redmon said.

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While breweries have water filtration and treatment systems, these are not designed to prevent PFAS from entering into the batch.

By modifying an EPA testing tool for analyzing levels of PFAS in drinking water, Redmon and her team tested 23 beers.

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The team tested beers from areas with known documented water system contamination along with some other popular beers with unknown water sources.

Through their research, it was found that beer brewed in North Carolina, California, and Michigan had elevated levels of this PFAS.

The researchers found a strong correlation between PFAS concentrations in municipal drinking water and levels in locally brewed beer.

In 95% of the beer tested, PFAS was found with perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid, two forever chemicals with recently established EPA limits in drinking water.

International beers tested — one from Holland and two from Mexico — were less likely to have detectable PFAS.

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"Our findings indicate a strong link between PFAS in drinking water and beer, with beers brewed in areas with higher PFAS in local drinking water translating to higher levels of PFAS in beer, showing that drinking water is a primary route of PFAS contamination in beer," the research team concluded.

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Common daily vitamin could slow biological aging, major study suggests

Vitamin D might be doing more than just supporting bone health — it could also help the body age slower, according to a new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham (MGB) and the Medical College of Georgia.

The study, published this month in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reveals that taking vitamin D supplements may protect against biological aging by slowing the shortening of telomeres, the tiny caps on DNA that naturally erode as people grow older.

Conducted as part of a nationwide four-year trial, the study tracked over 1,000 U.S. adults (men over 50 and women over 55) and found that daily vitamin D3 could reduce biological wear and tear, equivalent to nearly three years of aging, according to a press release from MGB.

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Participants were randomly assigned to take either a placebo or a daily dose of vitamin D3 (2,000 IU) and omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram). 

Telomere length in white blood cells was measured at the start of the study, at the two-year mark and after four years.

Compared to the placebo group, those taking vitamin D3 had significantly less telomere shortening, the researchers found. 

In contrast, omega-3 supplements "had no significant effect on telomere length throughout follow-up," the team reported.

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This was the first large-scale, long-term randomized trial to show that vitamin D supplements protect telomeres, according to co-author JoAnn Manson, M.D., the Michael and Lee Bell Professor of Women’s Health at Harvard Medical School.

"This is of particular interest because VITAL (the trial) has also shown benefits of vitamin D in reducing inflammation and lowering risks of selected chronic diseases of aging, such as advanced cancer and autoimmune disease," Manson said in the release.

Telomeres act like protective tips at the ends of chromosomes, similar to the plastic ends of shoelaces, according to the researchers. They "prevent chromosome ends from degrading or fusing with other chromosomes."

Over time, these DNA caps shorten, which is a natural part of aging and is linked to a higher risk of age-related diseases.

Because of this, scientists view telomere length as a marker of "biological age," which may better reflect a person’s health status than their actual age in years.

Earlier phases of the trial showed that vitamin D supplementation could reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain chronic age-related conditions, such as advanced cancers and autoimmune diseases, Manson noted.

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While the new telomere findings don’t prove that vitamin D slows aging across the board, researchers say it points to a potentially powerful way to protect the body at the cellular level.

"Our findings suggest that targeted vitamin D supplementation may be a promising strategy to counter the biological aging process, although further research is warranted," said first author Dr. Haidong Zhu, a molecular geneticist at the Medical College of Georgia, in the release.

The research team emphasized that more work is needed to determine how vitamin D impacts aging in different populations and whether these effects endure over longer timeframes.

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Before starting a new supplement regimen, experts recommend consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss proper dosage and potential risks.

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Study compares Zepbound and Wegovy for weight loss in direct comparison

Weight-loss medications continue to grow in popularity as an anti-obesity tool — but are some more effective than others?

The question was explored in a new study published this month in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers compared the safety and efficacy of tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound) and semaglutide (brand name Wegovy) in a 72-week clinical trial.

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The randomized, controlled trial — called SURMOUNT-5 — included 751 people throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico who had obesity but not type 2 diabetes.

"Doctors, insurance companies and patients are always asking, ‘Which drug is more effective?’" said Dr. Louis Aronne, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center and the Sanford I. Weill Professor of Metabolic Research at Weill Cornell Medicine, in the release. "This study allowed us to do a direct comparison." 

"The results are consistent with — in fact, almost identical to — what we’ve seen in trials in which these drugs were evaluated independently," added Aronne, who was a principal investigator in the trial.

The study found that tirzepatide achieved greater weight loss, with participants shedding about 50 pounds (20.2% of their body weight).

The group taking semaglutide lost an average of 33 pounds or 13.7% of their baseline weight, according to a press release summarizing the study outcome.

Overall, 32% of the people taking tirzepatide lost at least 25% of their body weight; semaglutide users lost around 16%.

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Tirzepatide users also reported a "greater reduction in waist circumference" than those on semaglutide.

The likely reason for tirzepatide’s greater effectiveness is that it uses a "dual mechanism of action," according to Aronne.

"Whereas semaglutide works by activating receptors for a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, tirzepatide mimics not only GLP-1, but also an additional hormone, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)," the release stated.

"Together, these actions reduce hunger, lower blood-glucose levels and affect fat cell metabolism."

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Additional trials are actively exploring whether tirzepatide also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, a benefit that has been linked to semaglutide.

The study, which was led by an investigator at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, was also conducted with the University of Texas McGovern Medical School, the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, the University College Dublin and Eli Lilly (maker of Zepbound).

The participants all received guidance regarding nutrition and exercise.

The reported side effects were very similar for the two drugs, with 44% experiencing nausea and 25% having abdominal pain.

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Dr. Ada Londono, MD, a board-certified obesity and internal medicine primary care physician with PlushCare — a virtual health platform offering primary care, therapy and weight management services — said she was not surprised by the study's findings.

"The results are consistent with prior trials, confirming tirzepatide’s advantage over semaglutide’s single GLP-1 action," Londono, who is based in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

Beyond weight loss, semaglutide has also shown potential benefits for cardiovascular health, sleep apnea and kidney disease, she noted. 

"These findings highlight the need for continued research to understand tirzepatide’s broader health impacts," she said. "It’s encouraging to see ongoing studies exploring the full potential of GLP-1 medications beyond weight management."

Londono pointed out that these treatments can come with side effects. 

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"Most people on these medications only report mild symptoms, but some have experienced more serious reactions, such as pancreatitis," she told Fox News Digital. 

"This underscores the importance of reviewing your medical history and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider."

The study did have some limitations — chiefly that it was not a blinded analysis and participants knew which medication they were receiving. This could introduce some level of bias, the researchers acknowledged.

Londono pointed out that while the study’s findings are "promising," it was funded by Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound.

"This may raise questions about potential conflicts of interest," she said. "Additionally, the open-label design and 72-week duration may limit objectivity and long-term insight."

While the study primarily looked at the impact of the medications, experts agreed that there are other factors that play a role in successful weight management.

"Weight loss is biological, but it’s also emotional, and whole-person support can make the difference between short-term results and sustainable health," Dr. Rekha Kumar, chief medical officer at the weight care program Found and a practicing endocrinologist in New York City, told Fox News Digital.

Kumar emphasized the importance of working with a physician to choose a weight-loss medication that matches the patient’s personal goals and health status.

"For example, if a patient has fatty liver, we will choose the GLP-1 that is proven to work best for liver disease," she said. 

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate new versions of weight-loss drugs, including retatrutide, which mimics the hormones GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, according to the release.

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"Even though drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide work really well, better than anything we have ever seen, we still have people who don't respond to them," said Aronne. 

"So, moving forward, we want to keep trying to do better."

A spokesperson from Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy (semaglutide), sent the below statement to Fox News Digital.

"Across the respective clinical trial programs and in SURMOUNT-5, both Wegovy and Zepbound have demonstrated clinically significant weight reduction. It is important to recognize that the comprehensive management of obesity goes beyond weight reduction alone."

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The spokesperson also pointed out that in a previous trial, adults with obesity or overweight who took Wegovy along with diet and exercise had lost an average of 15.2% of their weight (~35 pounds) at the two-year mark, compared with 2.6% (~6 pounds) for patients taking a placebo.

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What is ketamine therapy? Mormon reality stars tout controversial treatment

Season 2 of the reality show "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" depicted one couple — Jen and Zac Affleck — as they went through ketamine therapy, which they claimed saved their marriage. 

What is ketamine, and can it really benefit relationships?

An anesthetic used to induce sleep before and after surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic, ketamine is also used illegally as a recreational drug.

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The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) describes ketamine as a "dissociative drug," meaning it causes people to feel "separated or detached" from their bodies or physical surroundings.

In recent years, ketamine has been used as an alternative therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

"It can be a party drug, and it can be abused, but I think if you have the right intention and you do it in the proper setting with a doctor, it can be super impactful," Zac Affleck said in an interview with Women’s Health.

As far as personal beliefs, "there's nothing in the Mormon guidelines that says you can't do ketamine, but it’s in the gray area," Affleck added.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a derivative of ketamine in a nasal spray format (Spravato, or S-ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.

Some clinical studies have shown that ketamine therapy can be effective in treating severe depression in veterans.

"Ketamine acts like an antidepressant that can help distract someone from negative thoughts and feelings in a relatively short amount of time," Rolando Larice, M.D., medical director at Sana Lake Recovery in Missouri, told Fox News Digital.

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The drug is believed to create more connections between brain cells, a process thought to ease depression and decrease suicidal thoughts, according to Mayo Clinic. 

Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, previously told Fox News Digital that he uses ketamine therapy in his own practice.

"It's been quite transformative for a lot of our clients," he said.

Gerstner’s practice usually administers ketamine to clients via IV injection in two- to three-hour sessions, partnered with psychotherapy before and after treatment.

It is intended to be used in combination with antidepressant pills only under the supervision of a medical professional.

At high doses, the drug can cause adverse health issues that affect cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic function, which can be fatal, said the American Addiction Centers website.

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Some risks include elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, amnesia, seizures, addiction, problems with judgment and coordination, and a lower urinary tract irritation called ulcerative cystitis, according to the same source.

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"Common causes of overdose death include excess sedation, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, coma and seizures," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News' senior medical advisor, previously told Fox News Digital.

Larice cautioned that ketamine does carry a risk of addiction or dependency.

While ketamine IV therapy could be an alternative option if other treatments haven’t been effective for mental health conditions, experts urge caution.

"People may see celebrities like Jen Affleck make claims that ketamine therapy saved her marriage, but if it’s shown as a quick fix to solve all of your problems rather than a step toward healing, that’s when it can be dangerous," Larice cautioned.

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It is important for the IV treatment to be monitored by medical professionals in case dangerous side effects occur, he said.

Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.

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