Program of Community Oral Function Enhancement

Oral Hypofunction

Oral exercises, community-dwelling elderly, oral function, prevention of chewing and swallowing disorders

The purpose of this study examined the effects of oral exercise on oral function among older adults in Taiwan, focusing on gender-related outcome differences. Seventy-seven community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above participated in a six-week oral exercise program, performed before each meal. After six-week, the participants were examed the salivary secretion, swallowing ability (RSST), oral diadochokinesis, bite force, quality of life (assessed by OHIP-14) and EAT-10.

Objective: Elderly individuals with systemic diseases and disabilities face an elevated mortality risk, with oral functional decline further contributing to both oral and systemic health challenges. Given the rising prevalence of reduced oral function in older adults, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of oral exercise training on improving oral function and preventing functional decline. Additionally, the study examines potential gender differences in response to the intervention. Methods: Seventy-seven community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above participated in a six-week oral exercise program, performed before each meal. The study measured changes in oral function post-intervention.

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Taiwan