From Geriatric Dentistry to Gerodontology: A Life-Course Approach to Oral Health for Healthy Aging—Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: The global demographic shift necessitates a reassessment of oral healthcare delivery for aging populations. Although oral health is vital for nutrition, communication, and systemic health, it remains neglected in health policies and geriatric practice, limiting its contribution to healthy longevity. Traditional reactive models fail to address the complex, cumulative needs of older adults. This review advocates for a paradigm shift from reactive Geriatric Dentistry to proactive, multidimensional Gerodontology grounded in a life-course perspective, and synthesizes evidence on its impact on functional capacity and well-being in later life.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed across PubMed/MEDLINE, Wiley, and Scopus for peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 in English or Spanish. Eligible studies examined preventive, biopsychosocial, technological, or policy interventions targeting older adults. Data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach.

Results: A life-course approach to Gerodontology emphasizes early prevention, health promotion, and integrated biopsychosocial care across the aging trajectory. Key strategies include embedding oral health assessment into primary care and geriatric medicine, integrating oral health into national aging policies, and strengthening interprofessional education. Emerging technologies, including teledentistry, shared electronic records, and tailored digital literacy programs, improve access and quality for vulnerable elders. Prevention remains the cornerstone, supported by digital tools and community-based interventions.

Conclusion: Adopting Gerodontology with a life-course perspective is essential for healthy aging, ensuring extended longevity with dignity, functionality, and quality of life. Health systems should prioritize oral health integration into geriatric care pathways as a strategy for equitable aging.