Oral lesions and systemic diseases: a narrative review of the most common associations and clinical implications

Oral manifestations often serve as early indicators of systemic diseases, providing valuable diagnostic insights. This narrative review explores the most common oral lesions associated with systemic conditions, emphasizing their patho-physiology, clinical features, and implications for diagnosis and management. The review covers infectious diseases, neuropathies, pigmented lesions, periodontal disease, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (CIBD), and autoimmune disorders. Oral infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal etiologies, frequently manifest as mucosal ulcerations, pseudomembranous plaques, or erythematous lesions. Neuropathies such as trigeminal neuralgia and burning mouth syndrome (BMS) can present dysesthesia, pain, or altered taste perception. Pigmented lesions may be linked to endocrine disorders, drug-induced changes, or systemic conditions such as Addison’s disease and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. Periodontal disease, characterized by gingival inflammation and bone loss, is increasingly recognized as a marker of systemic inflammation and has strong associations with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. CIBD, including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), can present with oral aphthous-like ulcers, cobblestone mucosa, and pyostomatitis veg-etans. Autoimmune disorders such as pemphigus, lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren’s Syndrome contribute to a range of mucocutaneous lesions, xerostomia, and increased susceptibility to infections. Understanding these associations enhanc-es early diagnosis, facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, and improves patient outcomes. This review underscores the need for dental professionals to recognize oral signs of systemic diseases, as they may precede other clinical mani-festations. A multidisciplinary approach integrating dentistry and medicine is essential for comprehensive patient care.