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Oral Health

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Turning longevity into economic opportunity.

What does Oral health mean?

Oral health is a foundational yet frequently overlooked component of healthy ageing. Oral conditions affect essential daily functions such as eating, speaking, and social interaction, shaping nutrition, confidence, dignity, and independence across the life course. In later life, poor oral health is closely linked to frailty, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life, particularly when it occurs alongside other chronic conditions. Yet oral health has historically received limited attention within ageing, prevention, and health system frameworks. This gap is especially concerning given the well-established links between oral health, chronic disease, functional decline, and inequity. Strengthening the integration of oral health into healthy ageing agendas is therefore essential to supporting wellbeing, prevention, and quality of life in later life.

How does the IFA advance Oral health?

In partnership with key stakeholders, including subject matter experts, civil society, and other actors, IFA works to advance stronger policy approaches to oral health in later life. This includes promoting access to preventive and restorative oral health services, strengthening alignment between oral health and healthy ageing agendas, and ensuring consideration of equity, population need, and lived experience in policy development. Through evidence generation, policy analysis, and stakeholder convening, IFA seeks to elevate oral health as an integral component of healthy ageing and to support more coordinated, inclusive, and prevention-oriented approaches across health and social care systems.

Resource Spotlight

As this area grows in importance, the IFA is expanding its work through related initiatives, partnerships, and global advocacy, with further activity under development.

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