The oral organ: A new vision of the mouth as a whole for a gerophysiological approach to healthy aging

• Published in: Ageing research reviews 2024-08, Vol.99, p.102360, Article 102360
• Main Authors: Cecchin-Albertoni, Chiara, Deny, Olivier, Planat-Bénard, Valérie, Guissard, Christophe, Paupert, Jenny, Vaysse, Frédéric, Marty, Mathieu, Casteilla, Louis, Monsarrat, Paul, Kémoun, Philippe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging - physiology; Ecosystem; Healthy Aging - physiology; Human health and pathology; Humans; Inflammation; Life Sciences; Metabolism; Mouth - physiology; Oral Health; Preventive medicine; Stroma; Tissues and Organs
• ISSN: 1568-1637; 1872-9649; 1872-9649
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102360

This article brings a new perspective on oral physiology by presenting the oral organ as an integrated entity within the entire organism and its surrounding environment. Rather than considering the mouth solely as a collection of discrete functions, this novel approach emphasizes its role as a dynamic interphase, supporting interactions between the body and external factors. As a resilient ecosystem, the equilibrium of mouth ecological niches is the result of a large number of interconnected factors including the heterogeneity of different oral structures, diversity of resources, external and internal pressures and biological actors. The manuscript seeks to deepen the understanding of age-related changes within the oral cavity and throughout the organism, aligning with the evolving field of gerophysiology. The strategic position and fundamental function of the mouth make it an invaluable target for early prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and even reversal of aging effects throughout the entire organism. Recognizing the oral cavity capacity for sensory perception, element capture and information processing underscores its vital role in continuous health monitoring. Overall, this integrated understanding of the oral physiology aims at advancing comprehensive approaches to the oral healthcare and promoting broader awareness of its implications on the overall well-being. •The mouth as a whole fully fits the definition of an organ of its own.•The mouth is an interphase ecosystem between the external environment and the organism.•The mouth is both an actor and a reflection of overall health.•The mouth is a gateway for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of aging effects.