Abstract: Root caries is one of the most common oral diseases in the elderly，which is characterized by high incidence，hidden location，difficult treatment and poor prognosis. Root caries often lead to pulpal and periapical diseases and tooth fracture，which harm the oral health of elderly patients seriously. Therefore，it is of great significance to study the risk factors and mechanism of root caries，reduce the prevalence of root caries，thus to maintain the oral health of the elderly population. This paper will review the current research status of risk factors of root caries in the elderly from the aspects of general health status，behavioral factors and oral health status.

Key words: elderly, root caries, risk factors

摘要： 根面龋是老年人口腔常见疾病之一，具有患病率高、发病位置隐匿、治疗难度大、预后差等特点，常引发牙髓根尖周疾病及牙折，严重危害老年人口腔健康。因此，研究根面龋的危险因素及其作用机制，降低根面龋患病率对维护老年人口腔健康至关重要。文章将从全身健康状况、行为因素、口腔健康状况三方面就老年人根面龋的危险因素研究进展做一综述。

关键词: 老年人, 根面龋, 危险因素