Special Issue on Current Concepts and Challenges in Oral Health: Implications for the Global Population

Abstract

Oral health is an important dimension in the overall health of an individual. Its association with systemic health is a well-known concept. Most systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure, have a significant manifestation in the oral cavity. They also influence the treatment approach adopted for oral–dental diseases in individuals with such underlying systemic diseases. In a reciprocal association, the status of oral diseases makes a significant impact on systemic health and diseases. For instance, periodontal health in pregnancy is linked with the weight of the baby. In recent years, with individuals’ changes in their lifestyle and environment, there has been not only the emergence of new conditions, but also a change in the presentation of diseases has been observed. At the same time, thanks to advancements in technology such as genetic sequenc- ing and artificial intelligence, we are more equipped to deal with diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Furthermore, with the usage of advanced diagnostic methods, there has been a paradigm shift in the concept of few conditions. Thus, a complete understanding of the current status of the etiopathogenesis of oral diseases and challenges in their treatment is of utmost importance.