Inflammation, Infection, And The Oral–Systemic Disease Connection

Abstract

Oral health is increasingly recognized as an integral component of systemic health, with growing evidence demonstrating complex, bidirectional relationships between oral diseases and a wide range of systemic conditions. This review synthesizes current evidence on the oral–systemic health continuum, with particular emphasis on periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and the oral manifestations of systemic disorders. The review highlights the diagnostic and prognostic value of oral health indicators in identifying systemic disease risk and progression.

A central focus of this review is the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing the detection, prevention, and management of oral–systemic conditions. AI-driven technologies, including machine learning algorithms, advanced imaging analysis, predictive modeling, and digital health platforms, are increasingly applied to identify early oral signs of systemic disease, support personalized care strategies, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between dental and medical professionals.

The review also explores integrated care models that align dental and medical services, emphasizing the importance of interprofessional education, policy support, and community-based initiatives in reducing health disparities and improving patient outcomes. By consolidating evidence across clinical practice, public health, education, and health systems research, this review underscores the transformative potential of AI-enabled, interdisciplinary approaches in advancing holistic, patient-centered care. Future directions for research, policy, and practice are discussed, highlighting the need for scalable, ethically guided, and evidence-based integration of oral and systemic healthcare.