"Epigenetic Age" as a Biomarker for Precision Oral Healthcare: A New Paradigm in Dentistry-A Review.

Abstract Epigenetic age, an estimation of biological aging based on DNA methylation patterns, has become a highly sensitive biomarker indicative of cumulative environmental exposures, systemic inflammation, lifestyle factors, and tissue-specific aging mechanisms. Epigenetic age is a better way to predict a person's ability to heal, their immune system's strength, their risk of getting oral diseases, and their ability to regenerate than chronological age. In dentistry, accelerated epigenetic aging has been associated with heightened periodontal deterioration, decreased osseointegration efficacy, elevated risk of peri-implantitis, diminished pulpal vitality, impaired orthodontic tooth movement, and modified oral mucosal resilience. It can be used in many different fields. DNA-methylation-based epigenetic clocks are getting better all the time. They are a game-changing tool for personalized dentistry because they help doctors make better predictions about how well a patient will do, come up with better ways to prevent problems, and make decisions based on biological data. Key Words: Epigenetic age; DNA methylation; Biological aging; Oral mucosal aging; Personalized dentistry; Epigenetic clocks; Regenerative capacity.