Effect of Mouth Gymnastics Program on Saliva Secretion and Oral Health Status in the Elderly

Soon-Jeong Jeong, Department of Dental Hygiene & Institute of Basic Science for Well-Aging, Youngsan University
2021 International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science  
Purpose: This study was conducted todetermine the effect of mouth gymnasticsprogram as systematic elderly oral health care program to improve the oral health and healthy life of elderly. Materials and Methods: The changes in oral health status according to the mouth gymnastics program conducted for 3 months for the elderly aged 65 years or older who are admitted to the S nursing hospital located in Busan, Korea were analyzed with the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science) 25.0
more » ... . Results: The results of saliva secretion test (p<.001), saliva pH test (p<.01), Streptococcus mutansand Lactobacilliuscolony confirmation(p<.01) at 6 and 12 weeks after the mouth gymnastics program showed statistically significant positive changes in oral function and oral health status of the elderly compared with before the program. Conclusion: The mouth gymnastics program is considered to be helpful in improving the elderly oral health as well as the general health status. Therefore, a systematic Senior oral health care program, mouth gymnastics program should be prepared for the improvement of oral function of elderly patients admitted to nursing hospitals.
doi:10.19070/2377-8075-21000710 fatcat:co4tgxovpnay5dxbdgwltfdsou