Adverse oral effects of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and dual incretin receptor agonists such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are increasingly being prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their efficacy in glycaemic control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction. Emerging pharmacovigilance data suggest potential oral adverse effects, including xerostomia, dysgeusia, oral hypoesthesia and throat discomfort. Therefore, alterations in salivary function may compromise oral homeostasis and increase susceptibility to dental caries, periodontal inflammation and mucosal irritation. Additionally, metabolic and inflammatory changes mediated by GLP-1 and GIP may indirectly affect oral tissues. However, current evidence remains limited and inconsistently reported. Further research is needed to investigate the prevalence, underlying mechanisms and clinical significance of oral manifestations associated with GLP-1RA and GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist medications, as well as to explore the need for individualised management strategies and more frequent monitoring for patients receiving these therapies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This protocol describes the methodology for a future scoping review to be conducted in accordance with the JBI reporting guidelines. Studies addressing incretin-based medications and their implications for oral health will be eligible for inclusion in the review, with no restrictions on language or publication date. The following databases will be searched: Cochrane, LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Additional literature will be identified through Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. The snowballing technique and consultation with experts in the field will be used to identify additional relevant studies. The findings will be presented through a narrative synthesis, supported by tables, graphs and maps. When data are available, exploratory comparisons will be performed according to therapeutic indication (type 2 diabetes or obesity) and pharmacological class (GLP-1RAs and GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists), with particular attention to tirzepatide and other incretin-based agents, to explore potential differences in reported oral manifestations. In particular, studies involving different GLP-1RA and GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonists agents (eg, semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide) may be compared to explore potential differences in reported oral manifestations. These comparisons will be conducted descriptively, considering variations in dosage, treatment duration and pharmacological class when such information is reported.

REGISTRATION DETAILS: This protocol has been registered prospectively on the Open Science Framework (DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/NWTCS).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This scoping review protocol does not require ethics approval, as it only describes the methodological aspects of a future scoping review and uses secondary data from previously published studies. The findings of the review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at scientific conferences. As this study is a protocol for a scoping review and does not involve human participants or identifiable data, ethics committee approval was not required.