ORAL HEALTH AS A PREDICTOR OF PREMATURE MORTALITY: EMERGING EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n4-045Keywords:
Oral Health, Premature Mortality, Periodontal Disease, Tooth Loss, Systemic Health, Inflammation, Epidemiology, Risk IndicatorsAbstract
Objective: To explore the emerging evidence linking oral health conditions with premature mortality and to discuss the potential clinical implications for dentistry and systemic health management.
Methodology: A narrative review of the literature was conducted to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between oral health status and mortality outcomes. Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches of major biomedical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating associations between oral diseases, particularly periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral inflammatory conditions, and all-cause or cause-specific mortality were considered. Studies published in English over the past two decades were prioritized to reflect contemporary scientific understanding.
Results: Accumulating epidemiological evidence suggests that poor oral health may be associated with an increased risk of premature mortality. Periodontal disease, extensive tooth loss, and chronic oral inflammation have been linked to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory disorders, which are major contributors to global mortality. Biological mechanisms proposed in the literature include systemic dissemination of oral pathogens, chronic low-grade inflammation, and immune dysregulation. Several longitudinal cohort studies report that individuals with severe periodontal disease or significant tooth loss exhibit higher risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with individuals with better oral health status.
Conclusion: Current evidence supports the concept that oral health may serve as a meaningful indicator of systemic health and potential predictor of premature mortality. Integrating oral health assessments into broader healthcare strategies may contribute to earlier identification of systemic risk and improved patient outcomes. Further well-designed longitudinal and interventional studies are required to clarify causality and to better understand the biological pathways linking oral disease and mortality.
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