INFLAMMATORY AGING OF THE PERIODONTIUM

Inflammatory aging is a contemporary concept describing low-grade, chronic inflammation that gradually intensifies with age. Inflammation is a critically important defense mechanism against infections. Periodontal diseases rank among the leading reasons for seeking dental care, accounting for up to 88% of all cases. They are widespread among patients of all ages and have a significant impact not only on oral health but also on overall systemic health and quality of life. Objective: To summarize the available data and analyze previously conducted studies on the mechanisms and features of the development of inflammatory aging, as well as to formulate approaches to the correction of conditions associated with inflammatory aging of the periodontium. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted. A total of 15,896 publications indexed in international electronic databases were identified, including PubMed, Google Search, Ebsco, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and eLibrary. Based on the developed selection criteria, 67 publications were included that reported on mechanisms and features of inflammatory aging in general and of periodontal tissues in particular, as well as on modern technologies aimed at correcting inflammatory manifestations in the periodontium. The methodology of this study complies with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: The study analyzed and summarized findings on the mechanisms and clinical features of inflammatory aging. Particular attention was paid to the development of inflammatory aging in periodontal tissues. Technologies that may become promising tools for personalized preventive correction of conditions associated with inflammatory aging of the periodontium and oral cavity were identified. Conclusion: Inflammatory aging is one of the “main causes” underlying aging phenotypes. This systematic review demonstrates a general imbalance in inflammatory processes that gradually shifts with age toward enhanced inflammation and impaired anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Keywords: Aging, inflammatory aging, oral aging, periodontal aging, age-related changes.