Periodontitis and Chronic Conditions in Older Adults: A Scoping Review and Evidence Map of Systematic Reviews

This is a scoping review with evidence mapping to systematically map the existing systematic review and meta-analysis in relation to older adults investigating the association between periodontal disease and chronic conditions. The primary aim is to: (1)examine the available evidence on the association between periodontitis and chronic conditions prevalent among older adults and (2) identify the extent and distribution of SRs focused on older adults or age-stratified analyses for older populations. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis—Scoping Reviews. The findings will be reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting items for SRs and Meta-analysis extended to Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Eligible systematic reviews will be identified through comprehensive searches of seven databases. Data will be extracted such as author name, year of publication, country of study, number and types of studies included, search time frame, measures of exposure and outcome, age range of the participant, key findings, and conclusions were extracted from the selected eligible articles. EGM was constructed to visually identify and map the volume and focus of research examining the association between periodontitis and chronic conditions as well as gaps, particularly in relation to older populations. The expected outcomes of this review include a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence, identification of under-researched areas, and recommendations to inform future research, clinical practice, and policy related to periodontal disease and chronic conditions in ageing populations to ensure the appropriate prevention and care strategies that are evidence-based and fit for purpose.