BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are analogs of the endogenous incretin hormone GLP-1 and are increasingly used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Beyond glycemic control and weight loss, they have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties. Given the inflammatory nature of periodontitis and its bidirectional relationship with diabetes mellitus, interest is growing in exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of GLP-1 RAs in periodontal diseases. This scoping review aims to search the existing literature on the effects of GLP-1 RAs on periodontitis, focusing on underlying mechanisms and emerging clinical implications.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted in Medline/PubMed and Embase to identify preclinical and clinical studies in English evaluating the effects of GLP-1 RAs on periodontal tissues. Data were synthesized thematically to highlight key findings and gaps.
RESULTS: Evidence from mechanistic and preclinical studies supports a biologically plausible link between GLP-1 RAs and pathways central to periodontal inflammation and host response. Human studies remain limited and observational but consistently report associations between periodontitis and altered incretin hormone profiles, including reduced endogenous GLP-1 levels and increases following periodontal treatment.
CONCLUSION: This scoping review identifies growing mechanistic and preclinical evidence suggesting potential interactions between GLP-1 RAs and periodontal inflammatory pathways. Although current human evidence is indirect and insufficient to establish therapeutic benefit, these early signals highlight an important opportunity for future research. Well-designed clinical trials with periodontal endpoints are needed to clarify whether GLP-1 RAs may provide adjunctive value in periodontal care.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications commonly used to manage diabetes and obesity. In addition to their metabolic effects, laboratory and animal studies suggest that these drugs may influence biological processes also involved in gum disease, such as inflammation, immune response, and bone metabolism. This scoping review examined all available scientific studies on the relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists and periodontal disease. Most of the existing evidence comes from mechanistic and preclinical research showing that these medications can reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in experimental models. Human studies are still very limited and have focused mainly on metabolic markers rather than on direct measures of gum health. So far, no clinical trial has tested whether GLP-1 medications can improve periodontal outcomes. Although no conclusions can be made for clinical dental practice today, the findings highlight an emerging and promising area of research. Well-designed clinical studies are needed to determine whether GLP-1 receptor agonists could eventually play a role in periodontal treatment.
