Aging, Salivary Function, and Oral Microbiome Dynamics

The field of oral health has increasingly underscored the complex relationships between aging, salivary gland function, and the oral microbiome. As the global population ages, the prevalence of oral health complications such as xerostomia, dental caries, and periodontal disease rises markedly. These complications are often underpinned by age-related alterations in both the quantity and composition of saliva, as well as shifts in the diversity and function of oral microbial communities. Recent studies have identified nuanced links between age-dependent declines in salivary flow or composition and dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, which in turn has implications for local and systemic health. Despite notable advances, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms driving these changes, variability between individuals, and the long-term outcomes of such shifts—especially amidst mounting evidence that oral microbial health can influence diseases well beyond the oral cavity.This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding of how aging shapes salivary physiology and oral microbiome dynamics, ultimately impacting health and disease trajectories in older adults. Specifically, it seeks to elucidate the biological, environmental, and behavioral factors that mediate these changes, and to uncover novel interventional opportunities to maintain oral homeostasis. By bringing together interdisciplinary research, the collection will address critical questions such as: How do age-related changes in salivary gland structure and secretion alter niche-specific microbial assemblages? What are the functional consequences of microbiome alterations in elderly populations? Can interventions targeting saliva production or microbial composition meaningfully prevent or mitigate disease?To gather further insights in this expanding and multidisciplinary area, we welcome articles that explore the interplay between aging, salivary function, and the oral microbiome. Contributions may focus on—but are not limited to—the following themes:• Mechanistic studies on aging-induced changes in salivary gland biology• Longitudinal analyses of oral microbiome shifts across the lifespan• The impact of age-related salivary dysfunction on oral microbial ecology• Interventions (pharmacological, behavioral, dietary, or prosthetic) that modulate salivary output or microbiota in aging populations• The role of comorbidities, medications, or lifestyle in mediating oral health in older adults• Translational or epidemiological research linking oral ecosystem changes with systemic health outcomes in older peopleWe encourage submissions across all article types, including original research, reviews, mini-reviews, case studies, and perspectives, to foster comprehensive exploration and dialogue on this important topic. Topic editors: Modupe Coker, Maria Gonzalez, Anjali Bhagirath Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78481/aging-salivary-function-and-oral-microbiome-dynamics