GLP‑1 receptor agonists and their dental implications: A practical guide for dental practitioners (Review)

Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonists (GLP‑1RAs) have revolutionized the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Their rapidly increasing use has critical implications for dental practice, yet guidance for clinicians remains limited. The aim of the present review was to provide an evidence‑based narrative summary of the oral and dental implications of GLP‑1RA therapy and to provide practical chair‑side recommendations for dental practitioners. For this purpose, a narrative literature review was performed to synthesize current evidence concerning the oral, periodontal and perioperative implications of GLP‑1RAs in dental practice. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched for publications from January, 2015 through June, 2026. As this was a narrative review, studies were selected according to their clinical relevance and contribution to the mechanistic and practical questions addressed rather than according to a predefined systematic review protocol. No PRISMA flow diagram or quantitative study‑selection estimates were therefore applied. Particular emphasis was placed on distinguishing established clinical evidence from observational associations, preclinical findings and mechanistic hypotheses. Current evidence suggests that GLP‑1RAs may contribute to xerostomia, dysgeusia, halitosis and dental erosion, largely secondary to adverse gastrointestinal effects and salivary alterations. Conversely, improved glycemic control may favor periodontal health and wound healing. Delayed gastric emptying has critical implications for dental procedures requiring sedation or general anesthesia and necessitates careful preoperative assessment and interdisciplinary communication. On the whole, as the number of prescriptions of GLP‑1RAs continues to expand, dental practitioners should routinely identify affected patients, recognize potential oral manifestations, implement preventive strategies and consider perioperative implications to optimize patient safety and clinical outcomes.