Relationship between oral intake level and oral health assessment tool scores in the convalescent ward

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the relationship between oral intake function and oral health status in convalescent inpatients. Methods: Subjects were 222 patients admitted to a convalescent hospital between 1 January and 30 June 2018. Investigation items were age, sex, causative disease, body mass index, functional oral intake scale (FOIS), functional independence measure, occlusal contact, assistance with oral cleaning, and oral health assessment tool (OHAT) scores. Multiple regression analysis was performed with FOIS as the dependent variable, and investigation items were related to FOIS as independent variables. Results: Results of multiple regression analysis for all patients suggested that saliva and denture scores were significantly associated with FOIS. However, analysis excluding non-oral feeding patients did not show a significant association between FOIS and OHAT scores. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that oral health status is associated with oral intake function. In addition, the oral health status of inpatients may be strongly related to whether or not they are eating orally. Therefore, it is necessary to take good care of oral health in non-oral feeding patients in the convalescent ward.

Comparison of the Amount of Used and the Ease of Oral Care between Liquid and Gel-Type Oral Moisturizers Used with an Oral Care Simulators

“…It has also been reported that more than 50% of patients targeted for nutrition support teams in acute care hospitals and patients with terminal cancer who were targeted for palliative care had dry mouth problems [21,23]. It has been reported that dry mouth was observed in more than 50% of patients admitted to chronic hospitals [31]. Further, Yoon et al reported that of 559 randomly selected older adults requiring longterm nursing care admitted to a facility, who completed a survey on the oral environment, approximately 40% had dry mouth [32].…”

Association between oral health and swallowing function

“…In addition, the OHAT score did not differ between the no or single and multiple pneumonia episode groups, while the rates of swallowing endoscopy and angiography were significantly different between the groups. In our previous study [9], we identified significant differences in the oral and pharyngeal phases on VE between elderly patients with pneumonia and those without a history of pneumonia; there was a particularly significant group difference in elicitation of the gag reflex. These findings suggest that for patients with fever, difficulty in oral intake, or other findings suggestive of dysphagia, VE or VF for the evaluation of swallowing in addition to oral assessment are necessary.…”

“…Thus, there is no doubt that there is a significant association between the oral environment and the development of pneumonia, but there are few reports comparing VE andVF, which reflect actual swallowing function. Nakayama et al [9] studied patients admitted to a convalescent hospital and found that the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) score was significantly associated with the saliva and denture scores. However, after excluding patients on non-oral nutrition, no significant association between FOIS and OHAT scores was seen.…”

Association between oral health and swallowing function

“…There is no doubt that there is a signi cant link between the oral environment and the development of pneumonia; however, there are few reports comparing VE and VF as indicators to determine the actual availability of oral intake and the choice of food form. Nakayama et al [9] studied patients admitted to a convalescent hospital and found that the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) score was signi cantly associated with saliva and denture scores. However, after excluding patients on non-oral nutrition, no signi cant association between FOIS and OHAT scores was observed.…”