Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends and Knowledge Structure in Oral Frailty

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to construct a knowledge map of oral frailty research to visualise current research status and hotspots, thereby facilitating further advances and innovations in this field. METHODS: We retrieved relevant literature published between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2025, from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using CiteSpace software to examine publication trends, geographical distribution, journal sources, keyword co-occurrence and citation patterns. RESULTS: The analysis included 83 Chinese and 596 English publications. The annual publication count exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with Japan producing the highest number of studies, followed by China. International research primarily focused on the association between older oral health and systemic health outcomes, whereas Chinese studies emphasised oral health issues and their determinants in ageing populations. The research paradigm transitioned from conceptual frameworks to clinical applications and multidimensional intervention strategies. CONCLUSION: This study systematically outlined current progress in oral frailty research, highlighting its connections with frailty syndrome and malnutrition. Future research should prioritise in-depth needs assessment, integrate international best practices, promote interdisciplinary collaboration and develop personalised oral health interventions to improve geriatric oral health outcomes.