Oral Function and Nutritional Status among Vulnerable Elderly Populations

The accelerated global growth of the elderly population has led to an intensified focus on geriatric health. Among these, the relationship between oral function and nutritional status is emerging as a significant public health concern. Age-related oral health issues, including edentulism, reduced salivary flow and compromised chewing ability, are highly prevalent in the elderly population and are closely associated with poor dietary intake and malnutrition. These challenges are particularly pronounced in vulnerable populations, including those with limited access to dental care or financial resources.

Malnutrition not only serves to exacerbate age-related physiological decline but also contributes to the onset and progression of frailty and chronic diseases, thereby further diminishing quality of life. The combination of oral health impairments and cognitive and physical limitations reduces the ability to consume nutrient-dense foods, thereby perpetuating nutritional deficiencies.

Despite an increasing awareness of these issues, the integration of oral health into broader nutritional and ageing policies remains limited. It is vital to gain an understanding of the complex links between oral function and nutritional status in order to address the multiple vulnerabilities faced by the ageing population, particularly in regions experiencing rapid demographic shifts. This research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact of oral health decline on global ageing populations.

The objective of this research topic is to examine the intricate relationship between oral function and nutritional status among vulnerable elderly populations. In particular, the study aims to ascertain the impact of age-related oral health impairments, such as tooth loss, reduced masticatory ability and dietary habits, on dietary intake and the prevalence of malnutrition in this demographic. By focusing on vulnerable groups, including those with limited socioeconomic resources, single-person households or underlying health conditions, the research topic will investigate the complex determinants of oral and nutritional health.

The findings are intended to facilitate a more profound comprehension of the manner in which oral health exerts both direct and indirect influences on nutritional outcomes, with the objective of providing guidance for the implementation of targeted interventions. The proposed interventions will address both oral function and dietary patterns, thereby providing a foundation for integrated healthcare strategies that promote enhanced quality of life and mitigate the risks associated with age-related health decline.

This Research Topic calls for original research articles, review articles, and case studies that examine the interrelationship between oral function and nutritional status among vulnerable elderly populations. Submissions should address innovative, evidence-based approaches and provide a multidisciplinary perspective on the topic. The following themes will be addressed:

● Oral Health and Nutritional Outcomes: The objective is to examine the impact of oral health impairments (e.g., tooth loss, reduced chewing efficiency, xerostomia) on dietary intake and nutritional deficiencies in aging populations.

● Socioeconomic and Health Disparities: The objective is to gain mechanistic insights into the bidirectional relationship between oral function and systemic health outcomes, such as frailty and chronic diseases.

● Innovative Interventions and Strategies: The objective is to develop integrated interventions that combine oral health and nutritional support for socioeconomically or medically vulnerable elderly populations.

● Policy and Public Health Implications: The role of healthcare policies and community-based programmes in addressing oral and nutritional health challenges will be examined.

Keywords: Oral Frailty, Nutritionally at-risk, Health status, Elderly, Aging

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.