Vol. 11, Issue 4, Part B (2025)

Introduction: Trichomonas tenax is a flagellated protozoan that colonizes the human oral cavity and has been associated with inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues. Its presence can contribute to the deterioration of the local immune system, causing tissue damage and, in chronic cases, tooth loss. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and systemic and oral manifestations related to Trichomonas tenax. 
Methodology: Articles on the subject published in PubMed and Google Scholar databases were analyzed, with emphasis on the last 5 years. It was conducted using the words, "Trichomonas", "diagnosis", "epidemiology", "treatment", "oral manifestations". 
Results: Global prevalence of Trichomonas is approximately 5.0% in women and 0.6% in men, with notable geographical variations, especially in Africa and the Americas, where rates range from 0.2% to 1.3%. Diagnosis is traditionally based on microscopic observation, although it can be difficult to differentiate T. tenax from T. vaginalis. The PCR-RFLP technique allows for more specific and accurate identification. Root planing and scaling has been shown to be an effective method for reducing the oral protozoan load, eliminating about 80%, with an estimated residual prevalence of 5% after treatment. In addition, T. tenax has been detected in patients with systemic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, genetic disorders, and in kidney transplant recipients, where immunosuppression, either due to the disease or to treatments with steroids and cytostatics, favors its proliferation. 
Conclusions: Trichomonas tenax is closely linked to poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease, with a higher prevalence in individuals with severe systemic pathologies. Scaling and root planing is an effective intervention for its control. Knowledge and early detection of this protozoan are essential for preventing oral and systemic complications.