BETWEEN THE SMILE AND LONGEVITY

oral health as afunctional dimension of healthy aging

Abstract

Healthy aging is not limited to increased life expectancy, but involves the preservation of autonomy, functionality, social participation, and the dignity of older adults. In this context, oral health plays an essential role, as it directly affects daily functions such as chewing, speech, swallowing, eating, facial expression, and social interaction. Tooth loss, edentulism, inadequate use of dental prostheses, and reduced masticatory capacity may compromise not only nutrition and physical well-being, but also self-esteem, communication, and the older adult’s sense of belonging. The objective of this article is to discuss oral health as a functional dimension of healthy aging, highlighting its relationship with longevity, autonomy, and quality of life. This is a qualitative study, with a bibliographic and reflective approach, based on scientific productions that relate oral health, aging, functionality, oral frailty, mastication, and quality of life in old age. The analysis indicates that oral health goes beyond the clinical and aesthetic dimensions, constituting an important element for the maintenance of oral functions, eating, communication, sociability, and autonomy among older adults. It is concluded that understanding oral health as part of functional longevity allows for the expansion of health care and the recognition that aging well also depends on the preservation of the smile, mastication, speech, and the conditions that support a more dignified, active, and socially participatory life.