Oral health is a fundamental component of healthy aging, underpinning the ability to eat, speak, breathe, and maintain overall well-being. Yet, oral diseases remain alarmingly prevalent among older adults worldwide - despite being largely preventable. Over half of older adults experience untreated dental caries, and one in four suffers from complete tooth loss. Physical limitations, financial challenges, and barriers to accessing dental care all contribute to this persistent burden.

Most oral health problems in later life could be prevented through population-wide health promotion or managed effectively with simple, non-invasive interventions at the primary care level. Improving the accessibility and affordability of geriatric dental care - while adopting targeted preventive strategies and minimally invasive treatments - is critical for promoting oral health and enhancing overall quality of life in aging populations.

This Research Topic seeks to raise awareness of the critical role of oral health in healthy aging, and to provide up-to-date, evidence-based insights to advance oral health care for older adults. We welcome high-quality contributions that offer practical strategies for the prevention and management of oral diseases, supporting both oral and general health. By sharing cutting-edge research and innovative approaches, we aim to foster collaboration, deepen understanding, and contribute to healthier aging for our expanding elderly population.

We welcome original research and reviews covering (but not limited to) the following themes:

• Oral health education and promotion
• Risk assessment and prediction of oral diseases
• Innovations in diagnostic techniques for early detection
• Preventive strategies and patient-centered management approaches
• Advances in therapeutic agents and treatment modalities
• Assessment and enhancement of oral function
• Use of teledentistry and artificial intelligence in geriatric care
• Integration of oral and general health care services
• Community-level interventions to improve oral health outcomes
• Oral health care policies and systems

We encourage the submission of laboratory studies, epidemiological research, clinical trials, case reports, critical reviews, policy statements, and short communications that contribute to the advancement of oral health in older adults.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Prevention in Practice: Oral Health for Older Adults