DETERMINANTS OF DENTAL PATHOLOGY FORMATION IN MILITARY PERSONNEL UNDER HIGH PHYSICAL AND PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL LOAD

Abstract

Military personnel are exposed to extreme physical exertion and sustained psycho-emotional stress, which collectively influence systemic and oral health. This study aims to analyze the etiological and pathogenetic factors contributing to the formation of dental diseases in soldiers under conditions of high operational load. A theoretical and analytical approach was employed, integrating findings from contemporary scientific literature, epidemiological surveys, and clinical observations reported in peer-reviewed research and doctoral dissertations. The synthesis demonstrates that the prevalence of dental pathologies among military populations remains significantly high, with periodontal diseases affecting up to 70–85% of personnel in active service, while dental caries incidence ranges from 60% to 90% depending on deployment conditions. Key contributing factors include chronic stress-induced immunosuppression, salivary dysfunction, altered oral microbiota, and behavioral changes such as irregular hygiene practices and increased consumption of carbohydrate-rich rations. Additionally, environmental factors such as dehydration, temperature extremes, and limited access to preventive dental care exacerbate disease progression. The findings highlight a multifactorial etiology where systemic physiological adaptations to stress interact with local oral conditions, accelerating pathological processes. The study emphasizes the necessity of integrated preventive strategies, including stress management, nutritional optimization, and targeted dental surveillance programs.