Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the intricate relationship between oral health and systemic health, aiming to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature, research findings, and potential implications for clinical practice and public health interventions. The importance of oral health in contributing to overall well-being has increasingly gained recognition in recent years. Research has shown that oral health is closely linked to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite the growing body of evidence supporting this connection, there is still a need for further investigation to fully understand the mechanisms underlying these relationships and to develop effective preventive and treatment strategies. The introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis by providing background information on the topic, highlighting the problem statement, stating the objectives of the study, discussing the limitations and scope of the research, emphasizing the significance of the study, outlining the structure of the thesis, and defining key terms to ensure clarity and understanding. The literature review chapter critically examines existing studies and research articles related to the relationship between oral health and systemic health. The review covers ten key areas, including the impact of periodontal disease on cardiovascular health, the association between oral health and diabetes, the role of oral health in respiratory diseases, and the effects of poor oral health on pregnancy outcomes. The chapter synthesizes and analyzes the findings from these studies to identify common themes, disparities, and areas requiring further investigation. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach taken to conduct this comprehensive review, detailing the selection criteria for literature inclusion, the search strategy employed, the data extraction process, and the methods used to analyze and interpret the findings. The chapter also discusses the potential biases and limitations associated with the methodology and suggests ways to mitigate these issues to ensure the reliability and validity of the research. The discussion of findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of the key findings from the literature review, highlighting the significant relationships between oral health and systemic health, identifying gaps in current knowledge, and proposing potential implications for clinical practice and public health policy. The chapter also discusses the implications of these findings for future research directions and the development of targeted interventions to improve both oral and systemic health outcomes. In conclusion, this thesis summarizes the main findings and contributions of the study, reiterates the importance of understanding the relationship between oral health and systemic health, and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic approaches to healthcare. The thesis underscores the potential impact of improving oral health on overall well-being and advocates for the integration of oral health promotion and disease prevention into comprehensive healthcare strategies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigating the Relationship Between Oral Health and Systemic Health: A Comprehensive Review" aims to explore the intricate connection between oral health and overall systemic health. This study acknowledges the growing body of evidence suggesting that oral health is closely linked to various systemic conditions and diseases, highlighting the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being. The research will delve into existing literature to review studies, clinical trials, and observational data that investigate the relationship between oral health and systemic health. By synthesizing and analyzing the findings from these sources, this project seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how oral health influences systemic health and vice versa. The investigation will cover a range of oral health factors, including periodontal health, dental caries, oral microbiome composition, and oral inflammatory markers, and their potential impact on systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Special attention will be given to elucidating the underlying mechanisms and pathways through which oral health may affect systemic health outcomes. Moreover, this research aims to identify gaps in existing knowledge and propose potential areas for further research to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between oral health and systemic health. By critically evaluating the available evidence and presenting a comprehensive synthesis of the literature, this project seeks to contribute to the field of dentistry and healthcare by highlighting the importance of oral health as an integral component of overall health and well-being. Overall, the research overview emphasizes the significance of investigating the relationship between oral health and systemic health, highlighting the potential implications for clinical practice, public health policies, and interdisciplinary collaborations in promoting holistic approaches to healthcare. Through a thorough examination of the existing literature and a critical analysis of the evidence, this project aims to provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of oral and systemic health and the implications for improving health outcomes and quality of life.