Impact of Overall Health on Oral Health of Children and Adolescents

Oral health is often described as a window to overall health. The intricate connection between oral health and overall health has gained increasing attention from researchers, especially in recent years. In children and adolescents, the health and condition of the mouth can significantly influence their overall health and wellbeing. Conversely, their overall health status can impact their oral health, creating a bidirectional relationship that warrants detailed exploration.
Recent studies, particularly those following the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown emerging correlations between mental health and oral health. Specifically, mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression have been associated with tooth loss, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Moreover, individuals with special healthcare needs, such as those with developmental and physical disabilities, often present with more severe oral health issues compared to the general population.

Furthermore, certain systemic medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases significantly affect oral health. These conditions may directly influence the dentition or be linked to poor oral health due to associated complications. The dynamic interplay between systemic conditions and oral health in the pediatric population necessitates further investigation to better understand these relationships.

This Research Topic aims to gather comprehensive high-quality research, reviews, and mini-reviews that elucidate the multifaceted relationship between overall health and oral health in children and adolescents. We welcome submissions across a diverse range of research areas including, but not limited to:

Original research on the systemic impact of different diseases on pediatric oral health.
Studies on the effect of mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression) on oral health outcomes such as tooth loss and periodontal disease.
Multidisciplinary studies highlighting the bidirectional relationships between systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) and oral health.
Investigations into the impact of nutritional status and metabolic health on oral health in children and adolescents.
Reviews and meta-analyses summarizing current knowledge and identifying gaps in the research on the interplay between oral and systemic health in young populations.

Through this Research Topic, we aim to deepen our understanding of how systemic health impacts oral health in children and adolescents, paving the way for integrated healthcare approaches that optimize overall wellbeing.