Oral alterations in military personal: a narrative review on main findings and implications for oral health And operational efficiency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22491/1983-7550-52-2-R1Keywords:
Oral health, Oral manifestations, Military health, Military personnel, PreventionAbstract
Oral health is fundamental to the well-being and performance of military personnel. Factors inherent to military work activities can affect the integrity of personnel’s stomatognathic system. This narrative review examined the literature on the oral alterations in military personnel (especially the Armed Forces) to understand the impacts of these conditions on health and operational performance. An integrative review was conducted through a search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar. Case studies, literature reviews, cross-sectional studies, and clinical trials were selected. The most prevalent oral conditions in military personnel include periodontal diseases, caries, bone and dental trauma, temporomandibular disorders, actinic cheilitis, and oral cancers. These problems directly impact the oral health of military personnel and their readiness for functional performance. Factors such as adverse working conditions, high stress levels, limited access to dental care, excessive sun exposure, irregular eating habits, and lack of time for self-care contribute to the increased prevalence of these conditions. Oral conditions can directly compromise the overall health and operational efficiency of military personnel; therefore, it is essential to implement prevention programs, oral health education, and expanding access to dental care. Results highlight the relevance of investing in technological innovations to meet the needs of military personnel regarding prevention, monitoring, and diagnosis in oral health.
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