Efsun Somay*

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey

*Corresponding Author: Efsun Somay, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey.

Received: January 17, 2025; Published: February 14, 2025

Abstract

Sarcopenia, defined as the progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and functionality, has garnered considerable attention due to its associations with numerous adverse health outcomes. Emerging research suggests that sarcopenia may adversely affect oral health, particularly by leading to tooth loss, through shared risk factors such as aging, systemic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, and compromised functional capacity. Sarcopenia may result in diminished chewing function, which can lead to a reduced intake of essential nutrients and an increased vulnerability to periodontal disease, all of which contribute to tooth loss. Conversely, the loss of teeth may exacerbate sarcopenia by limiting dietary diversity and impairing nutrient absorption, thereby accelerating muscle degeneration. Systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and oxidative stress are additional significant factors that influence the interaction between sarcopenia and oral health. A comprehensive understanding of the implications of sarcopenia on tooth loss is essential for developing integrated healthcare strategies that address the interrelated nature of the musculoskeletal system and oral health. Considering the existing proof that indicates a complex bidirectional relationship between sarcopenia and tooth loss, this review seeks to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based summary addressing the definitions and measurement methodologies of sarcopenia, the shared pathophysiological mechanisms connecting sarcopenia and tooth loss, and the implications of these conditions on the overall health status of affected individuals.

 Keywords: Sarcopenia; Tooth Loss; Quality of Life

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Citation

Citation: Efsun Somay. “The Complex Bidirectional Relationship Between Sarcopenia and Tooth Loss: A Concise Review”. Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 9.3 (2025): 62-75.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Efsun Somay. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.