Oral Health within the One Health Paradigm: Bridging Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

Abstract The One Health paradigm recognizes the intrinsic interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. While traditionally applied to zoonotic diseases, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), its relevance to oral health remains underexplored. Oral diseases—particularly dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers—are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases globally and share risk factors with systemic illnesses. Furthermore, the oral microbiome acts as a dynamic interface between humans and their environment, influenced by ecological, behavioral, and socioeconomic determinants. This paper examines the integration of oral health into the One Health framework, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, antimicrobial stewardship, environmental sustainability in dental practice, zoonotic considerations, and shared disease prevention strategies. Incorporating dentistry into One Health initiatives strengthens preventive health systems, enhances surveillance, and promotes sustainable health policies. The future of disease prevention demands inclusion of oral health as a core component of integrated global health strategies.