Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:47
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Orofacial myofunctional deficits in elderly individuals.
1Department of Communication Disorders, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau 63701, USA. jray@semo.edu
Summary
Orofacial myofunctional deficits in elderly individuals affect eating, speech, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and evidence-based interventions by an interdisciplinary team are crucial for effective management of these orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Orofacial myofunctional deficits are prevalent in the elderly population.
- These deficits significantly impact essential functions such as nutrition, swallowing, and speech.
- Consequences extend to reduced quality of life and aesthetic concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To briefly explore common orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) in the elderly.
- To highlight the impact of OMD on various functional and aesthetic aspects.
- To emphasize the importance of a structured approach to OMD management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of common OMD etiologies in the elderly.
- Discussion of functional and aesthetic impacts.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Orofacial myofunctional disorders present with diverse etiologies in elderly individuals.
- Deficits commonly affect nutritional intake, swallowing efficiency, speech clarity, and overall quality of life.
- Evidence supports the need for comprehensive assessment and intervention.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of orofacial myofunctional disorders in the elderly requires a coordinated, interdisciplinary team approach.
- Accurate diagnosis and documentation are foundational for providing evidence-based services.
- Addressing OMD can improve functional outcomes and enhance the quality of life for elderly patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Muscles for Facial Expressions
The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...
01:03Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Age-related pharmacokinetic changes are extensively documented, but understanding age-related pharmacodynamic alterations is relatively limited. This knowledge gap can be partly attributed to the complexity of developing appropriate measures of drug responses compared to bioanalytical methods for determining drug concentrations.Most information regarding age-related differences in human pharmacodynamics originates from cross-sectional studies. However, these studies assume that observed mean...