Edentulism and Systemic Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Oral-Systemic Health Interactions

Edentulism, or complete tooth loss, is a significant public health problem with consequences that extend far beyond the oral cavity. Functionally, edentulism impairs chewing, speech, and oral proprioception, leading to progressive alveolar bone resorption and altered temporomandibular joint function. Nutritionally, edentulous individuals often adopt a softer, carbohydrate-rich diet, resulting in deficiencies of essential nutrients and contributing to systemic health deterioration. Poor mastication also stresses the gastrointestinal system, potentially leading to digestive disorders. Psychologically, toothlessness is associated with decreased self-esteem, depression, social withdrawal, and reduced quality of life. Changes in facial esthetics further exacerbate emotional distress. Systemically, edentulism is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and mortality, likely through pathways involving chronic inflammation, malnutrition, and reduced cerebral stimulation. Effective management of edentulism requires more than prosthetic rehabilitation. While full dentures and implant-supported overdentures restore oral function, comprehensive care must also address nutrition, psychological support, and monitoring for systemic disease. With a rapidly aging global population, recognizing edentulism as a condition with broad systemic implications is critical to improving overall patient outcomes and public health strategies.