Abstract
Objective: Analyze through the literature the changes that occur in the periodontium due to the aging process. Methods: Narrative review through the analysis of published literature in journal articles. Results: With the advancement of age, several cellular changes occur in the human body: decreased inflammatory response and delayed regeneration and tissue healing. In the periodontium, there is a decrease in the number of fibers of the periodontal ligament, a decrease in vascularization and in the healing capacity of the alveolar bone. Aging also plays an important role in the development of periodontal disease. Elderly patients with periodontitis present increased pro-inflammatory mediators and neutrophils. Although the amount of inflammatory cells is similar in young and old the inflammatory response of the latter occurs poorly, which may make them more susceptible to periodontal disease. However, this may not be determinant for the development of the disease, since periodontitis is the result of prolonged exposure to periodontal disease. Final considerations: Cell aging may not be the cause for the development of periodontal disease. The sum of multiple factors such as prolonged exposure to biofilm, association with systemic diseases, motor and immune compromise, exposure to chemical substances such as alcohol and tobacco may contribute.