Effectiveness of oral exercise on oral function among the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Oral Health
• Rehabilitation Sciences

Background:

• Aging is associated with declining oral function, impacting quality of life.
• Maintaining oral health is crucial for overall well-being in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a structured oral exercise program on improving oral function in elderly residents of a Chennai old age home.

Main Methods:

• A preexperimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was employed.
• Participants (n=48) engaged in exercises targeting facial expression muscles, tongue, salivary glands, and swallowing.
• Oral function was evaluated using standardized measures for xerostomia, salivary pH and secretion, mouth opening, halitosis, and oral motor function.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in all assessed oral function parameters post-intervention (P < .001).
• Key improvements included reduced dry mouth symptoms, increased salivary secretion and pH, larger mouth opening, decreased halitosis, and enhanced oral motor function.

Conclusions:

• Oral exercises represent an effective self-regulating intervention for enhancing oral health in the elderly.
• This intervention can be readily implemented in aged care settings to promote better oral function and health outcomes.