Oral Health as a Missing Component in Public Health Strategy: A Narrative Review

Oral health is a crucial yet often neglected component of global health, affecting nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, oral diseases remain underprioritized in public health systems. This narrative review examines the global burden of oral diseases, their association with systemic health, and the need for integrating oral health into public health strategies. Evidence from global health organizations and peer-reviewed literature highlights that conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers share common risk factors with major non-communicable diseases, including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and alcohol consumption. Strong associations exist between oral health and systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Integrating oral health into public health frameworks can enhance prevention, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall health outcomes. Strengthening awareness, policy integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to achieve equitable and sustainable healthcare.