A narrative review on the multifaceted impacts of climate change on oral health: a call for sustainable practices

Abstract Climate change poses a significant and multifaceted threat to global health, including oral health, a critical yet often overlooked dimension of environmental health. Dental professionals play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing both the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on oral health while promoting and implementing sustainable dental practices. This narrative review delves into the complex interplay between climate change and oral health, highlighting how environmental changes exacerbate oral health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate using keywords including “climate change,” “oral health,” “dental health,” “sustainable dentistry,” and related terms. Thirty-six studies published between 2016 and 2025 were included based on relevance and quality. The literature reveals associations between climate-related factors and oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, enamel defects, oral cancer, and dental trauma. Several studies also reported disruptions to healthcare delivery and rising operational costs due to climate-related challenges. Strategies for promoting sustainability through dental education, preventive care, and eco-friendly innovations were identified. This review underscores the urgent need for the dental profession to adopt preventive, sustainable, and resilient approaches. Future research should focus on quantifying oral health risks linked to climate change, assessing sustainable interventions, and integrating oral health into broader climate resilience and public health planning. Proactive engagement will enable the dental community to contribute meaningfully to both oral health equity and environmental sustainability.