Infection with Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) represents an important social problem. Clinical manifestations associated with the infection include the HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesia (HAM/TSP), adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and uveitis. Other complications include Sjogren's syndrome, cataract, arthropathies, polimiosites and dermatologic manifestations. The possibility of Sjogren's syndrome occurrence, in addition to drugs that may have side effects on salivation and/or causing lesions in oral mucosa, should be considered. Decreased salivary flow and worsening of periodontal disease have been also reported in the literature. The aim of this work was to give general information about HTLV-1 virus and present possible relationships between this infection and oral health. The bibliographic research was performed using PUBMED, LILACS and SCIELO data bases using HTLV-1, saliva and oral health as keywords. The possibility that the oral health in these individuals is more impaired than in non infected ones leads to the necessity of a special attention from dentists with this group of patients to preserve the integrity of the mineralized structures and soft tissues to improve more life quality. The salivary examination is suggested as an aid in developing the dental treatment plan of these individuals. Health professionals, in particular those who work in endemic areas, should have knowledge about HTLV-1 and the consequences of infection on the health of infected individuals.