IMPACTS OF GENDER-AFFIRMING HORMONE THERAPY ON THE ORAL HEALTH OF TRANS PEOPLE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the impacts of gender-affirming hormone therapy on the oral health of trans people, with emphasis on clinical alterations and implications for dental care. This is an integrative literature review conducted through searches in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS/BVS databases, using controlled descriptors and free terms combined with Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria considered studies published between 2016 and 2026, available in full text, and related to the proposed theme. After the selection process, nine studies comprised the final sample of the review. The findings indicated that gender-affirming hormone therapy may be associated with reduced salivary flow, increased xerostomia, periodontal alterations, and possible repercussions on bone metabolism and inflammatory response. In addition, social factors such as discrimination, barriers to access to health services, and greater exposure to risk behaviors were also related to the worsening of oral conditions. It is concluded that the oral health of the trans population results from the interaction between biological and social factors, highlighting the need for professional qualification and the strengthening of comprehensive care strategies aimed at promoting health equity.