Impact of Aging on the Oral Cavity

As humans age, the natural process affects all aspects of their physiology, including the oral cavity. This susceptibility to aging makes older individuals more prone to developing oral diseases, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Additionally, aging can cause changes to the oral cavity due to several factors such as changes in the oral microbiome, weakened immune systems, and reduced saliva production. Thus, it is critical to comprehend the impact of aging on the oral cavity to devise effective strategies for preventing and managing oral diseases in older adults.

The primary objectives of this research topic are:

1) To conduct a comprehensive review and enhance our existing knowledge of the ways in which the structure and function of the oral cavity evolve due to the aging process.
2) To explore the risk factors associated with oral diseases in older adults.
3)To analyze effective approaches for preventing and treating oral diseases in older adults.

We welcome the submission of any type of manuscript supported by the journal (including Original Research, Review, etc.) pertaining to, but not limited to, the following themes:

(a) Changes in oral structure and function due to aging and their implications for older adults' health.
(b) The association between other diseases and the risk of developing oral diseases in older adults.
(c) Roles of social determinants of health and lifestyle in oral disease risk and prevention in older adults.
(d) Combination therapies that could prevent and treat oral diseases in older adults.

Keywords: Aging, Oral Cavity, Dental Medicine, Oral Diseases, Risk Factors, Oral Health Strategies

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.