Effectiveness of an oral function intervention for older Taiwanese people

Abstract

Objective Oral function disorders occur often in older people with increasing age. Oral function disorders affect bodily function and self‐esteem, which are related to quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral function intervention programme on the oral function of older Taiwanese people. Materials and Methods A one‐group pretest‐post‐test study design was used. A total of 529 older Taiwanese people (women, 68.2%; men, 31.8%; average age, 75.07 ± 5.95 years) participated in this study. The oral function intervention programme consisted of a brief oral health education programme and oral function exercises. The total test period was 8 months. The oral condition and function examination comprised two questionnaires (self‐reported symptoms of oral function disturbance and the Geriatric/General Oral Health Assessment Index [GOHAI]) and three oral function assessments (Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test [RSST], Oral Diadochokinesia Test [ODT] and Cheek Expanding Test [CET]). Results After the oral function intervention, the self‐reported symptoms on the oral function questionnaire and GOHAI showed significant improvement (P < 0.05). Additionally, RSST, ODT and CET showed differences between pretest and post‐test measurements (P < 0.05). Conclusion The oral function intervention programme was effective in maintaining their feeding, swallowing and articulatory functions of older Taiwanese people. Significant improvements in self‐reported symptoms of oral function and GOHAI scores indicated that the oral function intervention programme might improve the QOL of older Taiwanese people.

Clinical‐based oral rehabilitation programme improved the oral diadochokinesis and swallowing function of older patients with dementia: A randomised controlled trial

“…older people in communities. 29 However, no difference was observed in the oral DDK-based articulation of /ta/between the both groups in this study, which may be due to variances between languages. A study found differences between four languages (English, Portuguese, Farsi and Greek) in oral DDK results.…”

“…Study in Japan concluded that participation in a 3‐month programme combining physical exercise, oral health instruction and nutritional guidance may contribute to improvements in or maintenance of oral and physical function in older adults 20 . There was another study in Taiwan which found that RSST and oral DDK improved after an eight‐month oral function intervention programme for older people in communities 29 . However, no difference was observed in the oral DDK–based articulation of /ta/between the both groups in this study, which may be due to variances between languages.…”

Oral health and healthy ageing: a scoping review

“…Compared with traditional OHE group & control group: usual care 12 mos Dental hygienist Improved oral health self-efficacy (SE) & OHRQL in intervention groups. No change in control group Ting et al, (2019) [ 96 ] Brief OHE program incl. Education materials.…”

Oral health diseases among the older people: a general health perspective

“…Chahar et al [12] used the scale to assess the oral health-related quality of life among older people outpatients in public hospitals in Delhi, India. Ting et al [142] used the scale to evaluate Effectiveness of an oral function intervention on the oral function of older Taiwanese people. Eguchi et al [143] used the scale to determine the distribution of healthy elderly individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups and identify any environmental or associated oral factors.…”