Oral Health and "Modern" Digestive Diseases: Pathophysiologic and Etiologic Factors

Abstract

In the contemporary era of medicine, exploring the complexity of the human body and its intricate interactions has become a central concern for health researchers. The main purpose of this article is to summarize the current understanding of relevant pathophysiological factors such as chronic inflammation, dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), and metabolic disorders, as well as etiological factors including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and genetic predispositions, as well as to emphasize potential avenues for upcoming studies and their medical significance. Additionally, this article aims to assess the potential impact of integrated treatment approaches on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between gastroenterologists, dentists, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans that address both oral and digestive health issues simultaneously. Among the branches with a significant impact on general well-being are oral cavity health and digestive diseases, which have been the subject of intensive research in recent decades. In this context, analysis of the current state of knowledge on oral cavity disorders in relation to "modern" digestive diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) becomes essential for a deeper understanding of the interconnections between oral and digestive health. The temporal overlap or succession, whether preceding or following, of oral manifestations and digestive disorders should be taken seriously by both gastroenterologists and dentists to facilitate early diagnosis and explain to patients the correlation between these two body systems. In summary, this article underscores the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between oral and digestive health, advocating for interdisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes and guide future research.

Keywords: inflammatory bowel disease; intestinal dysbiosis; irritable bowel syndrome; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; oral diseases; small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Figure 1

Chronology from 2004 to 2024 of the number of articles published using the keywords “dental” and “irritable bowel syndrome” (IBS), “non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” (NAFLD), “small intestinal bacterial overgrowth” (SIBO), and “inflammatory bowel disease” (IBD).

Figure 2

Interconnected pathways linking oral health, gut microbiome, and metabolic health. Processed schematic illustration summarizing the associations and coexisting etiologies of irritable bowel syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and bacterial overpopulation of the small intestine (modified after [28]).

Figure 3

Oral bacteria in the context of periodontal dysbiosis could also invade the gut, causing adverse effects on the gut microbiome and affecting liver and intestinal function.