NL Journal of Dentistry and Oral Sciences
(ISSN: 3049-1053)

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Reframing Oral Health as a Quality-of-Life Issue: An Epidemiological Perspective

Author(s) : Suparna NS*.
DOI : 10.71168/NDO.02.06.136

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Abstract

Oral health has traditionally been viewed through a biomedical lens, focusing on prevention and treatment of dental diseases. However, contemporary research demonstrates that oral health is deeply connected to overall well-being, social participation, and functional capacity. Oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide and contribute substantially to years lived with disability. They are strongly associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and frailty in older adults. Vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries experience the highest burden due to inequities in access to care and preventive measures. This review highlights the multidimensional impacts of oral health on daily functioning, psychological well-being, and social participation. Epidemiological evidence underscores the need for population-level preventive strategies, integration with non-communicable disease frameworks, and advocacy to position oral health as a central component of public health policy. Recognizing oral health as a determinant of quality of life is essential to reducing inequities, improving population health, and addressing the global burden of oral disease. Keywords: Oral health, Quality of life, Epidemiology, Non-communicable diseases, Preventive dentistry.

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