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Geriatrics
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Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology...
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Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry

A special issue of Geriatrics (ISSN 2308-3417).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 3 September 2025 | Viewed by 11326

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kelvin Ian Afrashtehfar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. College of Dentistry, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
2. Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Interests: reconstructive dentistry; prosthetic dentistry; aesthetic dentistry; cosmetic dentistry; laminate veneers; implant dentistry; digital dentistry; implant surgery; evidence-based dentistry; medical education
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carlos A. Jurado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Dentistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Interests: dentistry; odontology; stomatology; operative dentistry; restorative dentistry; prosthodontics; dental materials; CAD/CAM dentistry; esthetic dentistry; cosmetic dentistry; laminate veneers; optimization of protocols
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to announce a Special Issue of MDPI’s journal Geriatrics, titled “Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry”. This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research and clinical insights that improve oral health outcomes and enhance the quality of care for older adults. As the global population continues to age, addressing the unique dental needs and challenges older individuals face becomes increasingly important. This Special Issue invites high-quality research articles exploring a wide range of topics, including clinical decision making, case reports, qualitative studies, mixed methods research, and advancements in areas related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, promotion, and maintenance associated with the oral health of the ageing population. We encourage the submission of qualitative studies, mixed methods research, case reports, clinical cases, and case series that contribute to our understanding of effective clinical decision making in geriatric dentistry. By sharing your work, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of oral health care for older adults and advancing the field of gerodontology. MDPI’s journal Geriatrics has an Impact Factor of 2.3 and is indexed in PubMed. It is classified in the second quartile (Q2) under the Health (Social Science) category in SCOPUS. This Special Issue aims to publish high-quality articles that provide valuable insights and practical implications for improving oral health care for the ageing population. We invite researchers, clinicians, and academicians to submit their original research, review articles, and case reports to this Special Issue. By contributing your work, you will help expand the knowledge base in geriatric dentistry and foster collaborative efforts to address the unique oral health challenges older individuals face. We look forward to receiving your submissions and sincerely appreciate your valuable contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Kelvin Afrashtehfar
Dr. Carlos A. Jurado
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Geriatrics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gerodontology
  • geriatric dentistry
  • clinical decision making
  • case reports
  • clinical cases
  • qualitative study
  • mixed methods research
  • vertical dimension of occlusion
  • dental implants
  • overdentures
  • edentulism
  • periodontal disease
  • maintenance
  • fixed dental prosthesis
  • radicular caries
  • alveolar bone loss
  • aging population
  • oral health quality of care
  • quality of life
  • airway management
  • conservative dentistry
  • palliative dentistry
  • narrative reviews
  • systematic reviews

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 251 KiB  
Article
Oral Function, Loneliness, Depression, and Social Participation Among Physically Disabled Middle-Aged and Older Adult Individuals: Insights from a Japanese Cross-Sectional Study
by Naoki Maki, Harumi Sakamoto, Keisuke Taniguchi, Yuhki Mutsukura, Shoko Nomura, Sechang Oh, Hisako Yanagi and Thomas Mayers
Geriatrics 2024, 9(5), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9050137 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 923
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In the context of an aging society, physical disability and its relationship with frailty is of growing concern. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between oral function, social participation, and loneliness among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adult [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In the context of an aging society, physical disability and its relationship with frailty is of growing concern. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between oral function, social participation, and loneliness among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adult physically disabled individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 140 individuals with certified physical disabilities living in the studied area. Demographic characteristics, outing activities, loneliness (Three-Item Loneliness (TIL) Scale), and frailty/ability to live independently (Kihon Checklist (KCL)) were assessed using a questionnaire survey. The participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of oral dysfunction (OD), and statistical analyses were performed to compare the groups. Results: The group with OD had significantly higher TIL and KCL total scores and significantly lower mobility, confinement, cognitive function, greater levels of depression, and fewer outing activities (volunteering, movies, festivals, sports) compared to the group without OD. In a multivariate, age- and sex-adjusted binomial logistic regression analysis, outing activities (OR = 0.011, 95% CI: 0.000–0.529, p = 0.023) and loneliness (OR = 6.174, 95%CI: 1.292-29.502, p = 0.023) were identified as significant factors. Conclusions: An association was found between OD, loneliness, and social activities among middle-aged and older individuals with physical disabilities. The results suggest that future interventions should consider the relationship between oral function and factors such as depression, loneliness, social isolation, and social engagement as a means to mitigate frailty and other health and well-being concerns for physically disabled individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry)
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21 pages, 2015 KiB  
Article
Implementation of the Expert Nursing Standard: Caregivers’ Oral Health Knowledge
by Ina Nitschke, Felix Schulz, Elmar Ludwig and Julia Jockusch
Geriatrics 2024, 9(5), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9050112 - 3 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025
Abstract
The promotion of oral health in nursing care is essential for preventing oral diseases and maintaining health in elderly vulnerable populations. There is a need for standardized guidelines and education. The aim of this study was to collect data on the attitudes and [...] Read more.
The promotion of oral health in nursing care is essential for preventing oral diseases and maintaining health in elderly vulnerable populations. There is a need for standardized guidelines and education. The aim of this study was to collect data on the attitudes and hopes of caregivers regarding the implementation of the German Expert Nursing Standard “Promotion of Oral Health in Nursing” (GENS-POHN) and to evaluate their oral healthcare knowledge before implementation. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five different care settings in Germany. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the attitudes and hopes of nursing assistants regarding the GENS-POHN. Oral healthcare knowledge was evaluated before implementation. Most participants had a positive attitude towards the GENS-POHN and hoped that its implementation would lead to greater safety and competence in daily oral healthcare tasks. Few participants currently use screening or assessment instruments for oral care. There is a need for further education and training, as well as the development and implementation of standardized guidelines and tools for screening and assessment, in oral care. The GENS-POHN as an expert standard could be made accessible to an international audience by translating it into other respective national languages, thereby enhancing its usability for a wider range of users. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry)
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11 pages, 1011 KiB  
Article
Systemic and Oral Characteristics of Convalescent Inpatients Requiring Oral-Health Management by a Dental Specialist during Hospitalization
by Naoki Todayama, Ryuzo Hara, Tomohiro Tabata, Yukiko Hatanaka, Tomoko Mukai, Mika Someya, Miki Kuwazawa, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Shouji Hironaka, Nobuyuki Kawate and Junichi Furuya
Geriatrics 2024, 9(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9030082 - 17 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1177
Abstract
Older adults often experience poor oral functions, hindering rehabilitation post-acute disease treatment. However, characteristics of hospitalized patients who would benefit from professional oral-health management (POHM) have not been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate systemic and oral characteristics of patients requiring POHM during [...] Read more.
Older adults often experience poor oral functions, hindering rehabilitation post-acute disease treatment. However, characteristics of hospitalized patients who would benefit from professional oral-health management (POHM) have not been clarified. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate systemic and oral characteristics of patients requiring POHM during hospitalization in a convalescent hospital. This study included 312 participants admitted to the rehabilitation department of a convalescent hospital for a year. The patients were categorized according to POHM requirements (no-POHM group: 137 patients; POHM group: 175 patients) by discharge. Age, sex, primary disease at admission, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Mini nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF), Functional oral intake scale (FOIS), number of present and functional teeth, Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) scores, and POHM details provided during patient hospitalization were compared. Binomial logistic-regression analysis identified patients requiring POHM as those who had suffered a stroke and had a low number of present teeth, poor overall oral health, low food form, and low motor skills at admission. A high percentage of POHM interventions comprised oral-hygiene care and denture treatment. In summary, patients whose oral health has deteriorated and those experiencing oral-intake difficulties upon admission to a convalescent hospital may require oral-health management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry)
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11 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Oral Health and the Association with Blood Parameters in Neurogeriatric Inpatients without Relevant Systemic Inflammation: An Observational Study
by Alicia Maria Blasi, Sonja Henny Maria Derman, Asha Kunnel, Pantea Pape, Gabriele Röhrig and Anna Greta Barbe
Geriatrics 2024, 9(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9030055 - 23 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1477
Abstract
As little evidence is available, we report the oral health of neurogeriatric inpatients and the association with hematological parameters representing systemic health. We performed a cross-sectional investigation of 30 patients undergoing neurogeriatric early rehabilitation and excluded systemic inflammation as a trigger for oral [...] Read more.
As little evidence is available, we report the oral health of neurogeriatric inpatients and the association with hematological parameters representing systemic health. We performed a cross-sectional investigation of 30 patients undergoing neurogeriatric early rehabilitation and excluded systemic inflammation as a trigger for oral infection (C-reactive protein >5 mg/dL). Outcomes included oral health and hygiene status and routine laboratory parameters. Patients (mean age 79 ± 6 years, mean comorbidities 7 ± 3, and mean Barthel Index at hospital admission 31 ± 18) had impaired oral health (mean 18 ± 7 of their own teeth, elevated plaque indices (2.5 ± 0.4), and bleeding on probing (26 ± 17)), representing short- and long-term reduced oral hygiene. Twenty-four (80%) patients had periodontitis. Laboratory parameters for inflammation, nutrition, and anemia did not correlate with oral health parameters (p > 0.05). The number of teeth correlated moderately with total protein (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (rs) = 0.524; p = 0.003). Plaque indices correlated weakly with number of teeth (rs = −0.460; p = 0.010) and periodontitis diagnosis (rs = 0.488; p = 0.006). Thus, highly vulnerable neurogeriatric inpatients had reduced oral health and hygiene independent of laboratory parameters, representing a high-risk population for oral health problems even without clinically proven systemic infection. This should be considered in future interprofessional therapy planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry)

Review

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23 pages, 1540 KiB  
Review
An Update on the Interdisciplinary Dental Care Approach for Geriatric Diabetic Patients
by Zenovia Surlari, Oana Elena Ciurcanu, Dana Gabriela Budala, Oana Butnaru and Ionut Luchian
Geriatrics 2023, 8(6), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics8060114 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2833
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent health issue escalating worldwide that gives rise to numerous problems. Periodontal disorders are recognized as the sixth consequence associated with diabetes mellitus. Research shows that dental health affects overall health, and this knowledge is changing the dental field. [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent health issue escalating worldwide that gives rise to numerous problems. Periodontal disorders are recognized as the sixth consequence associated with diabetes mellitus. Research shows that dental health affects overall health, and this knowledge is changing the dental field. The correct choice of glucose goal levels and the optimal selection of glucose-lowering medications are determined by a comprehensive geriatric assessment, an estimate of life expectancy, and a rationale for therapy at regular intervals in elderly diabetics. This article provides an overview of the correlation between diabetes and oral health, with a specific emphasis on xerostomia, periodontal disease, and dental caries. Thus, dentists play a significant role within the allied health profession by contributing to the provision of oral care for those diagnosed with diabetes, with a special focus on geriatric patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry)
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Other

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8 pages, 1096 KiB  
Opinion
A Proposal for a Multidisciplinary Integrated Oral Health Network for Patients Undergoing Major Orthopaedic Surgery (IOHN-OS)
by Matteo Briguglio, Thomas W. Wainwright, Marialetizia Latella, Aurora Ninfa, Claudio Cordani, Cecilia Colombo, Giuseppe Banfi, Luca Francetti and Stefano Corbella
Geriatrics 2024, 9(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics9020039 - 19 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2313
Abstract
The passing of the years of life physiologically leads to the accumulation of changes in tissues in the oral cavity, influencing dentition, chewing and swallowing mechanisms, and the oral microbiota. Some diseases and medications can aggravate oral symptoms and negatively influence eating behaviours, [...] Read more.
The passing of the years of life physiologically leads to the accumulation of changes in tissues in the oral cavity, influencing dentition, chewing and swallowing mechanisms, and the oral microbiota. Some diseases and medications can aggravate oral symptoms and negatively influence eating behaviours, increasing the likelihood of becoming malnourished. This could make older individuals more vulnerable to complications when undergoing major orthopaedic surgery. Hidden infection foci in the oral cavity are a recognised cause of post-operative periprosthetic joint infections. Dysfunctional oral problems might also compromise feeding after surgery when good nutrition represents a fundamental aspect of a proper recovery. To manage these shortcomings, in this article, the authors hypothesise a multidisciplinary path of care named the Integrated Oral Health Network applied to major Orthopaedic Surgery (IOHN-OS). This peri-operative initiative would include pre-operative oral health screening and risk management by a dental team, patient education programmes before and after surgery, and bedside gerodontology actions like oral care and meal and eating support for fragile individuals. The IOHN-OS has the potential to reshape the concept of suitability for major orthopaedic surgery and generate momentum for designing community-based surveillance programmes that can keep the mouths of older subjects healthy for a long time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Oral Health Care for the Ageing Population: Exploring Gerodontology and Geriatric Dentistry)
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