Sex, Gender, and Oral Health

The field of oral health research has traditionally focused on biological distinctions between male and female, highlighting differing susceptibilities and outcomes for men and women based largely on hormonal, genetic, and physiological factors. Oral health literature has often examined sex and gender-specific characteristics, such as hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or distinct risk behaviours among males, shaping the discourse around prevention strategies and clinical interventions. Women, compared to men, may have different oral health issues that can undermine their general health and contribute to heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness, urinary infections, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. However, biological and socio-behavioral factors that link oral health and gender, as well as manifestation of oral disease and treatment success, are poorly understood and inconclusive in data analysis in research studies.



Recent insights underline the necessity to expand understanding of gender to acknowledge the experiences of sexual and gender minorities, including transgender, intersex, non-binary, and gender-fluid populations. These groups also face significant disparities arising from sociocultural norms, institutional structures, and systemic discrimination that further complicate their systemic and oral health care experiences.



This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of how sex, gender identity and its intersectionality with biological, social, economic, and systemic factors impact oral health experiences, behaviors, disease patterns, and treatment accessibility. It seeks to specifically identify and characterize oral health disparities faced across the gender spectrum to inform inclusive and culturally competent approaches within oral healthcare provision. Moreover, it endeavors to shape evidence-driven, equity-oriented practices, policies, and education aimed at dismantling barriers, enhancing provider awareness and training, and ultimately bridging healthcare gaps within our increasingly diverse populations.



To gather further insights within an intersectionally-informed oral health research framework, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:





• Analyses comparing oral disease prevalence, risk profiles, access to care, and clinical outcomes between and among men and women.



• Identification of the unique oral health concerns, experiences, and clinical care needs among transgender, intersex, non-binary, and gender-fluid populations.



• Investigation into the impacts of hormonal changes, including pregnancy, menopause, gender-affirming treatments, etc. on oral health status and clinical management approaches.



• Intersectional studies exploring how economic factors, social biases, and healthcare policies collectively influence oral healthcare between men and women, and across the gender spectrum.



• Development and evaluation of training strategies, practice guidelines, and educational interventions designed to promote inclusive oral healthcare provision.



• Examination of the linkages between gender-based violence, mental health conditions, and oral health inequities in diverse populations, highlighting inclusive prevention and intervention strategies.





We particularly encourage original research articles, case reports, reviews, policy analyses, and evidence-driven practice recommendations.

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
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... 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
• 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
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: gender-inclusive oral health, oral health disparities, intersectional dental research, gender identity dental care, hormonal impact on oral health, inclusive dental practices, oral health equity, sex and gender differences

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.