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Periodontitis and aging: reviewing recent evidence
1Program in Dental Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Aging alone does not cause severe periodontitis. While some periodontal attachment and bone loss are expected in older adults, significant tooth support loss is not an inevitable consequence of aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Periodontology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Periodontitis is a common oral disease affecting periodontal tissues.
- Aging is often associated with various physiological changes, including those in the oral cavity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review recent research on the relationship between aging and periodontitis.
- To determine if aging is a direct cause of severe periodontal disease.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of current scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating age-related changes in periodontal health.
Main Results:
- Some loss of periodontal attachment and alveolar bone is typical in older individuals.
- Age alone in healthy adults does not result in critical loss of periodontal support.
- Severe periodontitis is not an inherent outcome of the aging process.
Conclusions:
- Periodontitis progression is multifactorial, with aging being one potential contributing factor.
- Preventive dental care and management of risk factors are crucial for maintaining periodontal health in the elderly.
- Severe periodontitis in older adults likely results from factors beyond normal aging.