Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists in Diabetes and Obesity: Implications for Periodontology and Family Dentistry.

Periodontitis, an immune-inflammatory disease triggered by a dysbiotic microbial complex, often leads to the destruction of periodontal supporting tissues. It has a bidirectional association with systemic comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, through chronic low-grade inflammation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that regulates glucose metabolism, lipid homeostasis, and other vital biological functions. By promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, GLP-1 maintains glucose levels, body weight, appetite, and immune function. Accordingly, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used in the treatment of T2DM and have recently been adopted for obesity management. Furthermore, GLP-1RAs exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, osteoprotective, and anti-matrix metalloproteinase properties, which may help protect against and slow the progression of periodontitis. These effects are particularly valuable in patients with coexisting diabetes and obesity, providing synergistic benefits for systemic metabolic regulation and periodontal health. However, there is a lack of direct randomized clinical trials evaluating periodontal endpoints, such as bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic bone changes. Therefore, any periodontal benefits attributed to GLP-1RAs should be regarded as preliminary evidence, supported mainly by preclinical studies and indirect metabolic effects.