Sex and Aging in Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases are a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Affecting up to 50% of the adult population, these diseases represent a significant public health concern. Recent studies have underscored the importance of sex and aging as potential risk factors, suggesting that these variables could be pivotal in developing personalized treatment strategies. Despite the recognition that periodontal diseases manifest differently across sexes and age groups, there remains a lack of clarity on how to effectively manage these differences to achieve optimal patient outcomes. As the global population continues to age and the incidence of periodontitis rises with advancing age, there is an urgent need for tailored treatment options that consider these demographic factors. Current research efforts are beginning to address these gaps, but a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between sex, aging, and periodontal diseases is still lacking.

This Research Topic aims to explore the sex and aging-related differences in periodontal diseases and their implications for precision dentistry. By bringing together experts from various fields, the goal is to deepen our understanding of how these factors influence disease progression and treatment efficacy. Key questions include how age-related changes in the oral microbiome affect periodontal health, and how sex and age influence the host immune response and risk factors for periodontal diseases. The research will also investigate the role of genetics and genomics in these processes, with the aim of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches tailored to individual patient profiles.

To gather further insights into the sex and age-related differences in periodontal diseases, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Age-related changes in the oral microbiome and its impact on periodontal health
- Sex and age-related differences in the host immune response to periodontal diseases
- The influence of sex and aging on periodontal disease risk factors and comorbidities
- New technological advances in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases based on sex and age-related differences
- The role of genetics/genomics in the intersection of sex and aging on periodontal disease

This Research Topic invites original research, reviews, and clinical studies that contribute to our understanding of these differences, encouraging submissions that offer novel insights into the pathobiology of periodontal diseases and interventions that consider sex and age determinants. Case reports highlighting unique presentations across sexes and age groups are also welcome.