Relationship Between GLP-1-Based Therapies and Periodontal Health: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, have recently attracted attention for their potential effects on periodontal tissues. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the relationship between GLP-1-based therapies and periodontal health, with particular emphasis on anti-inflammatory, osteogenic, and regenerative mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases identified 22 eligible studies, including in vitro, animal, and human investigations. The available evidence suggests that GLP-1RAs such as liraglutide and exendin-4 may attenuate periodontal inflammation, reduce alveolar bone loss, and enhance osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament and dental pulp stem cells through modulation of pathways including MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, and PKCβ2. Clinical observations additionally indicate a bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and incretin signalling, with periodontal therapy associated with increased systemic GLP-1 levels. However, the current evidence remains heterogeneous and is largely limited to preclinical and observational studies. Randomised clinical trials are required to determine the clinical efficacy and therapeutic relevance of GLP-1-based therapies in periodontitis management.