Exploring the Interplay of Aging, Obesity, and Oral Health in Elderly Populations

Oral health is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of overall health, particularly in older and aged individuals. The prevalence of conditions such as Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Osteoarthritis and Periodontal Disease, specifically tooth loss, significantly contributes to musculoskeletal frailty and increased morbidity in the elderly population. With the rising rates of obesity, which affects approximately 40% of US adults, the aging process is accelerated, further exacerbating oral health issues. By 2060, the number of US adults aged over 65 is projected to reach 98 million, highlighting the urgent need to address oral health in this demographic. Current studies indicate that 47.2% of obese adults aged 30 and older, and 70.1% of adults aged 65 and older, suffer from periodontal disease or tooth loss, with disparities observed across gender and racial lines. Despite the significant impact of these conditions, effective treatments remain limited, particularly for TMJ degeneration, where joint replacement is often the only option. This underscores the necessity for innovative research and interventions to improve oral health outcomes in older adults.

This Research Topic aims to explore the intricate relationship between aging, obesity, and oral health, with a focus on identifying effective strategies to prevent and treat conditions such as TMJ Osteoarthritis and Periodontal Disease. By investigating the underlying mechanisms, such as cellular senescence, that contribute to these conditions, the research seeks to develop clinically effective approaches to enhance oral health and overall quality of life in the elderly. Key questions include understanding the pathways linking aging and periodontal disease and evaluating potential therapies for TMJ degeneration.

To gather further insights into the complex interplay between aging, obesity, and oral health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Geroscience approaches to improve oral health
- Temporomandibular Joint aging and potential therapies
- Exploring the potential pathways between aging and periodontal disease
- Quality of life in older adults with oral health problems

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Tooth loss, periodontitis, alveolar bone loss, osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint

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.