Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42138019›Full record

ArticleGerodontology2026

Coronal and Root Caries in Older Adults: Associated Factors, Quality of Life Impact, and Treatment-A Scoping Review.

Helena Dujic, Katrin Heck, Julia Schwärzler, Cristiane da Mata, Sayaka Tada, Falk Schwendicke

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in Gerodontology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Helena DujicDepartment of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Digital Dentistry, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9829-4427
Katrin HeckDepartment of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Digital Dentistry, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2273-3662
Julia SchwärzlerDepartment of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Digital Dentistry, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9304-2954
Cristiane da MataDepartment of Restorative Dentistry, Cork Dental School and Hospital, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9317-0847
Sayaka TadaFaculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9952-4239
Falk SchwendickeDepartment of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Digital Dentistry, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1223-1669

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases affecting older adults worldwide. As edentulism decreases and more natural teeth are retained into old age, the number of susceptible tooth surfaces increases. Age-related factors such as polypharmacy, cognitive decline, and reduced oral hygiene skills, together with systemic and social factors, increase the risk of caries. Although the literature is extensive, the evidence for diagnosis and management remains fragmented and lacking clinical integration.

objectiveThis scoping review aimed to assess and map current evidence on caries diagnostics and management in adults aged 60 years and older, focusing on diagnostic indices, associated factors, treatment strategies and outcomes, as well as oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).

methodsA comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified 533 studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies included data on caries occurrence, incidence, increment, factors associated with caries, treatment, and OHRQoL in older adults.

resultsMost studies focused on caries occurrence and associated factors, with DMFT being the most common index. Reported caries proportions varied widely across studies (0.1%-100%). Seventy-five distinct variables were identified covering multiple domains, with older age, sex, and lower education being the most frequently cited. Only seven studies reported using risk assessment tools. Treatment strategies were less frequently addressed and often lacked feasibility or outcome metrics. OHRQoL was reported in 98 studies, mostly using GOHAI and OHIP.

conclusionCurrent evidence focuses largely on epidemiological endpoints. Future studies should prioritize patient-relevant outcomes and include frail and dependent populations.

trial registrationPROSPERO: CRD420251004339.

Indexed as

Dental CariesQuality of LifeRoot CariesAgedHumansMiddle AgedOral HealthRisk Factorscaries incrementcaries occurrencecaries riskeldersoral health‐related quality of life

Identifiers

PMID42138019
PMCPMC13498928

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.