The current status and influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients based on the Andersen Oral Health Outcome Model.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the elements that influence oral frailty in elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients and to comprehend the present state of this condition. METHODS: A survey of 325 elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients from three hospitals in Huzhou City was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Oral Health Assessment Tool, the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Oral Health Questionnaire, the Social Frailty, the Frail Scale, and the Oral Frailty Index. RESULTS: In elderly maintenance hemodialysis patients, the prevalence of oral frailty was 45.2%. Factors influencing it include the Oral Health Knowledge Score (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98), Oral Health Behavior Score (OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98), insufficient dialysis (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.63), social frailty (OR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.57-8.83), physical frailty (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.55-6.30), number of missing teeth (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.15), swallowing abnormalities (OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.26-6.38), and oral health scores (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.14-1.57) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients on elderly maintenance hemodialysis are more susceptible to oral frailty. Nursing staff should develop scientifically sound, effective, and targeted oral management strategies for these patients.

The Role of Proper Nutrition for Patients Undergoing Periodontal Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Nutrition has been recognized as a foundation for good oral health and general health, with a bidirectional relationship having been established between nutrition and oral and overall health.1 Various specific macro- and micronutrients from the intake of food serve as fuel for a person's body to grow and function.1 The oral cavity plays the unique role of gatekeeper, providing the pathway of nutrition to the body. Because of the rapid cell turnover of oral mucosa, the oral cavity also may manifest early signs of nutrient deficiencies as well as other indicators of systemic disease.2 As a result, problems in the oral cavity can profoundly affect one's appetite, desire and ability to eat, and, consequently, nutritional status and overall health.1.

The effects of geriatric oral dental health training to dental students on their elderly attitudes.

Objectives: To measure the effect of geriatric oral health education on the attitude of dentistry students towards the elderly. METHODS: The interventional study was conducted in December 2022 at Sivas, and comprised students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkiye in their 4th and 5th academic year. A 20-hour training course was delivered over 3 days by faculty members. Baseline and post-intervention difference was assessed using the Kogan's Attitudes Towards Old People Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 30 students, 18(60%) were females and 12(40%) were males. The overall mean age was 22.93±1.63 years. Besides, 18(60%) students belonged to 5th year and 12(40%) to the 4th year. The mean Kogan Elderly Attitude Scale score at baseline was 184.13±25.55, while post-intervention it was 195.36±22.36. (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Relevant training was found to have a significant impact on the attitude of dentistry students towards the elderly.

Oral Health and Nutraceutical Agents.

Oral health is essential for both overall health and quality of life. The mouth is a window into the body's health, and nutrition can strongly impact the state of general and oral health. A healthy diet involves the synergistic effect of various nutraceutical agents, potentially capable of conferring protective actions against some inflammatory and chronic-degenerative disorders. Nutraceuticals, mostly present in plant-derived products, present multiple potential clinical, preventive, and therapeutic benefits. Accordingly, preclinical and epidemiological studies suggested a protective role for these compounds, but their real preventive and therapeutic effects in humans still await confirmation. Available evidence suggests that plant extracts are more effective than individual constituents because they contain different phytochemicals with multiple pharmacological targets and additive/synergistic effects, maximizing the benefits for oral health. Moreover, nutritional recommendations for oral health should be personalized and aligned with valid suggestions for overall health. This review is aimed to: introduce the basic concepts of nutraceuticals, including their main food sources; examine the logic that supports their relationship with oral health, and summarize and critically discuss clinical trials testing the utility of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

Effect of treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency using rapid palatal expansion on oral health-related quality of life in children: complementary results for a controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of rapid palatal expansion (RPE) using Haas-type expanders on children's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) and compare said effect with that previously reported for the use of Hyrax-type expanders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty participants aged 8-10 years with transverse maxillary deficiency were treated using Haas appliances. OHRQOL was measured using the CPQ8 - 10 before RPE, during RPE (T1), at the end of RPE (T2), and 1 month after appliance removal (T3). Generalized mixed models were fitted to assess the effect of the Haas-type expander compared to previously collected data (a nontreated and a Hyrax-type expander-treated group). RESULTS: RPE with Haas-type appliances had a negative impact on overall OHRQOL at T1 and T2 (P = 0.001), and a positive impact at T3 (P = 0.001). The Haas-type expander had a significantly greater negative impact on OHRQOL than the Hyrax-type appliance during RPE. At T1, overall scores using the Haas-type expander were 1.08 times the scores using the Hyrax-type expander (i.e., 8% increase; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17; P = 0.033). Patients using the Haas appliance had 1.24 times the scores of those using Hyrax-type devices for the oral symptoms domain at T1 (i.e., 24% increase; 95% CI, 1.06-1.46; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Correction of the transverse maxillary deficiency by RPE using the Haas appliance in children 8-10 years improves OHRQOL. The Haas- and Hyrax-type devices temporarily worsen OHRQOL during treatment, however, the negative impact is less with the Hyrax-type expander than with the Haas-type expander, because it causes fewer negative oral symptoms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: From a patient-centered perspective, the use of the Hyrax over the Haas appliance may be suggested as it causes less negative oral symptoms during use.

The Influence of Dr. Rima Rudd's Organizational Health Literacy Scholarship in Maryland.

BACKGROUND: This article analyzes and reflects on Dr. Rima Rudd's organizational health literacy ideas and tools and their influence on the field generally and on four projects over 12 years in Maryland specifically. OBJECTIVE: We present four organizational health literacy projects - two from oral health and two from COVID-19 vaccination - that used or were influenced by Dr. Rudd's the Health Literacy Environment of Hospitals and Health Centers. METHODS: In the oral health projects, we describe the organizational assessments we conducted, the assessment results, and the actions organizations took in response. In a Frederick, Maryland, COVID-19 project, we worked with multiple organizations in a single city to train them in the organizational assessment process, and we report the activities and results of this training. In the Baltimore, Maryland COVID-19 project, we provided general information about organizational health literacy and trained key health professionals in local organizations. KEY RESULTS: Our results confirm that Dr. Rudd's tools work mainly as intended because they help organizations or third-party evaluators identify health literacy barriers and create health literacy insights. Also, we observed that organizational health literacy tools can support organizations' interest in equity goals and increase their willingness to spend time on health literacy projects. CONCLUSIONS: Translating knowledge and skills to actions can require more time than organizations can commit or be more difficult than they can handle. In our projects, the four most positive examples were driven by a collaboration between our team and a change champion who had the power to institute new ideas and actions. While it can take time and money to gain traction, our Maryland work shows that organizational assessments are accessible, practical and tangible. We conclude that Dr. Rudd's influence extends beyond specific tools and is reflected in the field's acceptance of organizational and professional responsibility for health literacy as an equity and justice issue. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(3):e151-e158.].

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This article discusses Dr. Rudd's original and foundational contributions to organizational health literacy and the influence her tools and methods have had on 4 projects over 12 years in Maryland. We describe implementations and results for organizational health literacy assessments and training activities and conclude with lessons learned about organizational health literacy approaches and Dr. Rudd's impact on the field.

Oral and dental health status in patients with chronic headache.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is an illness with high prevalence and adverse effects on quality of life. As oral or dental problems such as pain can trigger or aggravate it, we aimed to investigate and compare oral and dental health status in patients affected with chronic headaches and healthy individuals. METHODS: The present case-control study included 60 patients with chronic headaches (case) and 60 healthy individuals (control) in Rasht, Iran. The demographic characteristics and clinical examinations, including decayed/missing/filled teeth (DMF-T) and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) indices, as well as bruxism, frequency of tooth brushing and flossing, and maxillary and mandibular tooth wear were recorded in a checklist. Data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS version 28 at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The case group consisted of 25 men (41.7%) and 35 women (58.3%) with an average age of 32.55 ± 6.62 years, while the control group had 27 men (45%) and 33 women (55%) with an average age of 30.95 ± 6.33 years. The study groups were not significantly different in bruxism, frequency of tooth brushing and flossing, DMFT, CPTIN, and maxillary and mandibular tooth wear. CONCLUSION: It seems that chronic headaches do not significantly affect the oral and dental health of the sufferers. Moreover, it appears that these patients are well aware of the role of oral and dental hygiene in triggering or aggravating the episodes of headaches.

Universal coverage for oral health care in 27 low-income countries: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Low-income countries bear a growing and disproportionate burden of oral diseases. With the World Health Organization targeting universal oral health coverage by 2030, assessing the state of oral health coverage in these resource-limited nations becomes crucial. This research seeks to examine the political and resource commitments to oral health, along with the utilization rate of oral health services, across 27 low-income countries. METHODS: We investigated five aspects of oral health coverage in low-income countries, including the integration of oral health in national health policies, covered oral health services, utilization rates, expenditures, and the number of oral health professionals. A comprehensive search was conducted across seven bibliographic databases, three grey literature databases, and national governments' and international organizations' websites up to May 2023, with no linguistic restrictions. Countries were categorized into "full integration", "partial integration", or "no integration" based on the presence of dedicated oral health policies and the frequency of oral health mentions. Covered oral health services, utilization rates, expenditure trends, and the density of oral health professionals were analyzed using evidence from reviews and data from World Health Organization databases. RESULTS: A total of 4242 peer-reviewed and 3345 grey literature texts were screened, yielding 12 and 84 files respectively to be included in the final review. Nine countries belong to "full integration" and thirteen countries belong to "partial integration", while five countries belong to "no integration". Twelve countries collectively covered 26 types of oral health care services, with tooth extraction being the most prevalent service. Preventive and public health-based oral health interventions were scarce. Utilization rates remained low, with the primary motivation for seeking care being dental pain relief. Expenditures on oral health were minimal, predominantly relying on domestic private sources. On average, the 27 low-income countries had 0.51 dentists per 10,000 population, contrasting with 2.83 and 7.62 in middle-income and high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: Oral health care received little political and resource commitment toward achieving universal health coverage in low-income countries. Urgent action is needed to mobilize financial and human resources, and integrate preventive and public health-based interventions.

Care Bundle Approach for Oral Health Maintenance and Reduction of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

Caring for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) creates competing priorities of interventions for nurses and other health care providers. Oral care might be prioritized lower; however, its neglect may lead to sequelae such as extended time in the ICU, nosocomial diseases most notably ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), or oral problems. Safe patient care depends on effective and efficient oral care. The aim of this study was to lower the incidence of VAP and maintain oral health through implementing an "oral care bundle" for mechanically ventilated (MV) patients. Using a quasi-experimental design, we divided 82 adult MV patients in the ICUs of a university-based hospital in Egypt into a control group (n = 41) that received the standard of care and a bundle group (n = 41) that received an "oral care bundle." The results of the study reported a significantly lower incidence of VAP in the intervention group (P = .015). It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between receiving an oral care bundle and improved oral health and a reduction in the VAP rate among MV patients. This highlights the need to incorporate the oral care bundle in the daily nursing care for MV patients.

Long working hours and preventive oral health behaviors: a nationwide study in Korea (2007-2021).

BACKGROUND: This study explored the association between working hours and preventive oral health behaviors. METHODS: In total, 48,599 workers (22,992 females) were included from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2021). Weekly working hours were self-reported. The following three preventive oral health behaviors were set as outcomes: participation in annual dental check-ups; adherence to the recommended toothbrushing frequency (≥twice a day); and use of interdental cleaning devices. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using logistic regression. RESULTS: In male workers, the adjusted OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and each outcome was 0.84 (0.77-0.92) for dental check-ups, 0.82 (0.72-0.94) for toothbrushing ≥twice a day, and 0.83 (0.76-0.92) for utilization of interdental cleaning device when compared to 35-40 h/week. In female workers, the adjusted OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and each outcome was 0.79 (0.70-0.89) for dental check-ups, 0.88 (0.70-1.11) for toothbrushing ≥twice a day, and 0.80 (0.71-0.90) for utilization of interdental cleaning device when compared to 35-40 h/week. Additionally, low socio-economic status, such as low educational attainment, low income level, and blue-collar occupations, were major risk factors associated with non-adherence to preventive oral health behaviors in both male and female workers. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that individuals who work long hours are more likely to exhibit undesirable oral health behaviors.

Challenges faced by dentists during provision of oral health care in children and adolescents with special health-care needs: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: Oral health care for children with special health-care needs (CSHCN) is often overlooked despite a substantial global population with disabilities or special needs. This scoping review delves into the challenges dentists face in delivering oral health care to CSHCN. METHODOLOGY: The scoping review was conducted as per the guidelines of PRISMA-ScR with a search strategy based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) framework of the research question. The databases searched were PUBMED, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost. Articles published within 20 years and in the English language were included in the study. RESULTS: The review included 20 studies and highlighted several significant barriers encountered by dentists when providing oral health care for CSHCN. They included inadequate training among dentists in managing special needs patients, the time-intensive nature of oral procedures for this population, and the unpredictable behaviors exhibited by CSHCN during dental visits. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the crucial need to address the challenges dentists face in delivering oral health care to CSHCN.

Oral health status and oral health-related quality of life among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the age group of 11-14 years in Delhi-NCR Region.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of oral health status (OHS) and sociodemographic indicators on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) aged 11-14 years and compare it with age-matched nondiabetic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 80 children aged between 11 and 14 years with T1DM and 80 age-matched nondiabetic children. The OHRQoL was measured using a validated structured Hindi version of the child perception questionnaire (CPQ11-14) questionnaire. The clinical OHS was assessed using the decayed, missing, or filled teeth index, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). Associations between OHRQoL and independent predictors were analyzed with the log-linear Poisson model regression method. RESULTS: CPQ11-14 scores were significantly lower in nondiabetic children than diabetic children, indicating better OHRQoL among nondiabetic children than diabetic children (P ≤ 0.05). The GI score exhibited a significantly lower value in nondiabetic children than in diabetic children (P = 0.014). In contrast, the mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth score showed a significantly higher value in nondiabetic children than in diabetic children (P ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in the mean PI of diabetic and nondiabetic children (P = 0.096). CONCLUSION: The result of the present study highlighted the detrimental effect of T1DM on OHRQoL in children.

Influence of maternal attention-deficit hyperactive disorder on child dental neglect - An analytical cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The influence of mothers with ADHD and their attitude towards their wards' oral health has not been explored in the Indian scenario. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ADHD in mother-child dyads in western Tamil Nadu and the mothers' dental neglect toward their children. METHODOLOGY: The prevalence of ADHD in mothers and children was assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale screener and ADHD Rating Scale, respectively. The Child Dental Neglect Scale (CDNS) was used to assess dental neglect in children. The responses were recorded on a Likert scale and statistical analyses were done. RESULTS: The prevalence of ADHD in mothers and children was 10.65% and 10.57%, respectively. The impulsivity and hyperactivity type of ADHD was commonly seen in both the mothers and their children. Mothers without ADHD felt that their children maintained their oral health well. Mothers with ADHD deferred the needed dental treatment for their children. CONCLUSION: Mothers with ADHD have four times more risk of having children with ADHD. Maternal ADHD influences their child's oral health. Child dental neglect was more prevalent among mothers with ADHD.

Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing and cross platform messaging application in improving oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviours among pregnant women- A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Body goes through significant hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy, which could be linked to changes in oral health. Many women are unaware of the negative consequences of poor dental health during and after pregnancy, both for themselves and their children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and cross platform messaging application (WhatsApp messenger) for oral health education on the oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviours among pregnant women attending ante natal care. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 84 pregnant women. Simple random sampling was employed to select participants after oral examination. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups (Group 1: Cross-platform messaging application [WhatsApp]; Group 2: MI) using a lottery method. Pregnant women aged 18 years and older, gestational age between 8 and 30 weeks were included. A face-to-face interview and oral examination were conducted to assess baseline knowledge and oral hygiene status. A follow-up examination was conducted after one month of intervention. Inferential statistics, including the chi-square test and independent t-test, were used to compare variables between the two groups. Results: The mean knowledge score at baseline was comparable between Group 1 (WhatsApp) and Group 2 (MI). However, post-intervention, Group 2 showed a significantly higher mean knowledge score compared to Group 1. Post-intervention, Group 2 exhibited a significantly better oral hygiene status compared to Group 1. Significant improvements in oral health behaviours were observed in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggested that while both interventions were effective, MI showed superior results in improving knowledge, oral hygiene status, and oral health behaviours. The personalized and client-centred approach of MI enables participants to explore and resolve ambivalence, promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of oral health during pregnancy. Registration: CTRI ( CTRI/2021/09/036407, 10/09/2021).

Effects of oral health interventions on cognition of people with dementia: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing studies have shown that poor oral health contributes to the progression of dementia. It is meaningful to find out the role of oral health interventions in maintaining people's cognition levels and delaying the progression of dementia. Thus, we conducted this review to summarize the present evidence on the effect of oral health interventions on the cognition change of people with dementia. METHODS: Literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences by two independent reviewers from inception to 6 March 2024. Clinical studies such as randomized controlled trials reporting on the effect of oral health interventions on the cognition of people with dementia were included in this review. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were used to measure cognition level. The mean deviation (MD), generated by subtracting the baseline MMSE score from the MMSE score at follow-up was used to assess the change in cognition. Studies with oral hygiene practice as an oral health intervention were further conducted with a meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 6646 references were identified by the literature search, and 5 studies were eligible to be included in this review. Among the included studies, 4 studies reported the cognition change after having various oral hygiene practice as oral health intervention, while the other study adopted oral exercises as the intervention. Two studies presented positive MD values after intervention provided, indicating improved cognition level at follow-up (MD = 0.6, MD = 0.9, respectively). Another two studies reported less cognition deterioration with smaller absolute MD values in the intervention group, (intervention vs. control, -0.18 vs. -0.75, p < 0.05 and - 1.50 vs. -3.00, p < 0.05, respectively). The random-effect model was selected in the meta-analysis, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 1.71), favoring the intervention group. CONCLUSION: With limited evidence, oral hygiene care may play a positive role in maintaining the cognition level of people with dementia. However, further studies are needed to provide direct evidence on the effectiveness of oral health interventions on oral health conditions as well as cognition status and to disclose the rationale behind it.

The OHStat guidelines for reporting observational studies and clinical trials in oral health research: manuscript checklist.

Adequate and transparent reporting is necessary for critically appraising published research, yet ample evidence suggests that the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of oral health research could be greatly improved. Accordingly, the Task Force on Design and Analysis in Oral Health Research, statisticians and trialists from academia and industry, identified the minimum information needed to report and evaluate observational studies and clinical trials in oral health: the OHStat guidelines. Drafts were circulated to the editors of 85 oral health journals and to Task Force members and sponsors and discussed at a December 2020 workshop attended by 49 researchers. The guidelines were subsequently revised by the Task Force writing group. The guidelines draw heavily from the Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials (CONSORT), Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, and CONSORT harms guidelines, and incorporate the SAMPL guidelines for reporting statistics, the CLIP principles for documenting images, and the GRADE indicating the quality of evidence. The guidelines also recommend reporting estimates in clinically meaningful units using confidence intervals, rather than relying on P values. In addition, OHStat introduces seven new guidelines that concern the text itself, such as checking the congruence between abstract and text, structuring the discussion, and listing conclusions to make them more specific. OHStat does not replace other reporting guidelines; it incorporates those most relevant to dental research into a single document. Manuscripts using the OHStat guidelines will provide more information specific to oral health research.

[A PhD completed. Oral manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Serie: Hora est. Orale manifestaties van inflammatoire darmziekten.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to bowel symptoms, patients may also have oral manifestations. This thesis investigated potential associations between disease activity in the gut, oral health, salivary gland function, and saliva composition. Patients with Crohn's disease had a significantly higher DMFT index, but showed no difference in periodontal diseases compared to a healthy control group. The saliva composition in patients with active bowel disease differed from that in patients with inactive bowel disease, suggesting that saliva analysis could potentially be used in the future to determine the degree and severity of bowel disease. The knowledge of gastroenterologists and dentists regarding oral manifestations of bowel diseases was found to be limited. Gastroenterologists and dentists valued interdisciplinary patient consultation as very useful, but the frequency of consultation was considered insufficient.

[Series: Sustainability. Making oral care more sustainable; where do we stand and where are we going? An overview of the situation in and around the Netherlands]. / Serie: Duurzaamheid. De verduurzaming in de mondzorg; waar staan we en waar gaan we heen?

With the Paris climate goals in prospect and the latest IPCC reports in mind, it is urgent and necessary that the healthcare sector also looks at how to limit global warming. Healthcare is a major producer of greenhouse gasses, air pollution and waste. In addition, it uses a lot of raw materials and energy. Both the World Health Organization, the World Dental Federation and national parties are trying to draw up an agenda based on goals to make the healthcare sector more sustainable. English research shows that the largest emissions in oral care are caused by travel, purchasing and use of materials and energy use in practice. Based on these topics, steps can be taken to become more sustainable. The e-book 'Sustainable oral healthcare practice' provides a good starting point for this.

The multifaceted impact of missing teeth on general health: A narrative review.

Tooth loss extends beyond oral health concerns, impacting overall well-being and quality of life. It is a global issue, with approximately 7% of individuals aged 20 years or older affected. Research reveals associations between tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and peripheral arterial disease, attributed mainly to chronic inflammation and altered dietary habits. However, tooth loss has also been associated with cognitive decline, depression, and certain cancers, including lung, head and neck, pancreatic, and esophageal, suggesting the involvement of complex pathophysiological mechanisms that are increasingly the subject of experimental research. In addition, there are psychosocial consequences, such as self-esteem issues and social discomfort. Therefore, it is indisputable that comprehensive oral care is of utmost importance. Recognizing the importance of oral health for overall well-being highlights the necessity for preventative measures and enhanced dental care. As the global population ages, it is increasingly important to comprehend and address the systemic effects of tooth loss. This review aims to summarize the complex pathomechanisms underlying tooth loss and emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to address its di- verse consequences. It advocates for preventive oral health measures to sustain general health and well-being.