Inflammaging and Periodontal Disease: Implications for Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Inflammaging, a term coined to describe the chronic, low-grade inflammatory state associated with the aging process, has emerged as a noteworthy factor in the pathogenesis of numerous age-related diseases. Among these conditions is periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the supportive structures of the teeth.

Periodontal disease, particularly periodontitis, is a multifactorial condition primarily caused by chronic bacterial infection. The disease is characterized by inflammation and destruction of the tissues supporting the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. The initial inflammatory response is triggered by the accumulation of dental plaque biofilms, leading to the activation of immune cells and subsequent release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Aging is considered a significant risk factor for periodontal disease, with inflammaging playing a crucial role in this relationship. The dysregulated immune response in inflammaging compromises the ability to resolve inflammation and repair damaged tissues. Moreover, age-related alterations in the oral microbiome and impaired wound healing mechanisms contribute to the susceptibility of older individuals to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease contributes to systemic inflammation, as oral pathogens and inflammatory mediators can enter the bloodstream and disseminate throughout the body. This systemic inflammation resulting from periodontal disease may contribute to the acceleration of inflammaging and increase the risk of developing other age-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

The goal of this Research Topic is to underscore the scientific significance of age-related oral diseases and evaluation of the bidirectional interplay between inflammaging and periodontal disease. Both inflammaging and periodontitis are prevalent age-related conditions that share common inflammatory pathways. Investigating their interplay can provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. Understanding how inflammaging contributes to the development and progression of periodontitis, and how periodontitis exacerbates inflammaging, can shed light on potential therapeutic targets and interventions for both conditions. Moreover, unraveling the complex relationship between inflammaging and periodontitis may have broader implications for our understanding of the aging process and the management of other age-related inflammatory diseases.

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Article types

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

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Inflammaging, Aging and Dental Medicine, Periodontitis, Inflammatory Response

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