Healthy Aging and Oral Health: Protecting Your Smile Throughout Life

Oral health remains essential at every stage of life. Healthy teeth and gums support proper nutrition, clear speech, social confidence, and overall quality of life. Although aging may bring changes such as dry mouth, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and an increased risk of decay, tooth loss is not an inevitable part of growing older.

This September educational bulletin from the CareGuard Initiative provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help adults protect their oral health throughout life. Readers will find recommendations for daily preventive care, managing dry mouth, making tooth-friendly nutrition choices, accessing affordable community dental services, and completing a monthly Healthy Smile Challenge.

Our educational materials are developed using recommendations from trusted public health and professional organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), and other evidence-based sources. The CareGuard Initiative is committed to improving oral health literacy by translating reliable health information into practical resources for individuals, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.

Read the bulletin online below or download the PDF for free to share with your family, friends, patients, school, or community organization.