A global mapping of research on the relationship between oral health and nutritional status

Abstract Background/Objective Oral health and nutritional status are closely interlinked through biological, functional, and behavioural pathways, yet the global research landscape connecting these domains has not previously been systematically mapped. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive bibliometric assessment of worldwide research linking oral health and nutritional status, identify influential publications, and analyze thematic developments over time. Materials and methods Data were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) within the Web of Science Core Collection. Publications from 1991–2024 were identified using a structured search strategy incorporating primary and extended terminology. Document characteristics, citation performance, authorship patterns, and publication indicators ( TP , IP , CP , FP , RP , and SP ) were analyzed alongside citation indicators ( C year , TC year , CPP year ). Author keywords were examined across three balanced time periods to identify major research foci. Results A total of 10,074 publications were identified, including 8747 articles. Global research activity increased steadily, with citation maturity typically reached after 13 years. The USA, UK, Japan, and China led in publication output, while international collaboration was associated with higher citation impact. The ten most-cited articles reflected epidemiological surveillance, methodological standardization, global oral disease burden, and clinical nutrition guidelines. Keyword analysis revealed five overarching subjects: epidemiology, nutrition-related determinants of oral function and disease, clinical and quality-of-life outcomes, intervention strategies, and vulnerable populations. Conclusions This study provides the first global bibliometric overview of research linking oral health and nutritional status. Findings highlight an expanding, interdisciplinary field with growing methodological sophistication and public health relevance.