Abstract
Oral health and sleep quality are critical components of overall health, but their relationship remains poorly understood. The present meta-analysis therefore investigates the association between oral health and sleep quality, synthesizing evidence from diverse populations. To this aim, a comprehensive search strategy identified 311 articles, from which 8 studies encompassing 18 comparisons met the inclusion criteria. These studies, conducted between 2015 and 2023, included 36,559 participants across various countries. Oral health was assessed using indices such as the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index and gingival indices. At the same time, sleep quality was measured using tools such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a significant association between poorer oral health and poorer sleep quality, with a standardized mean difference of 2.166 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.677-3.655; P=0.004]. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings, and publication bias assessments indicated no significant bias. Precision interval analysis showed a mean effect size of 2.17 with a 95% CI of -4.83 to 9.16, suggesting variability in the strength of the association across populations. In conclusion, the results of the present meta-analysis provide strong evidence for a significant link between oral health and sleep quality, highlighting the importance of considering oral health in the management of sleep disorders. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and standardized measurement tools to further elucidate this relationship and inform public health strategies aimed at improving both oral health and sleep quality.