Change of salivary flow rate, xerostomia, and oral health-related quality of life after oral muscle massage

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the change of the salivary flow rate, xerostomia, and oral health-related quality of life in the elderly people after the application of oral massage. Methods: The subjects were 101 elderly people at two senior welfare centers in Mokpo from November, 2012 to January, 2013 by the application of oral massage. The final subjects were 56 elderly people who participated in the massage more than 15 times of 20. They were measured for saliva flow rate, xerostomia, and OHIP. On the first and the last day, a self-reported questionnaire was completed by the elderly people. The questionnaire consisted of general characteristics of the subjects, oral health related knowledge, symptoms and behavior of xerostomia, and OHIP. OHIP included functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and handicap, and was measured by Likert 5 point scale. Results: The salivary flow rate of the elderly people increased after the implementation of the program. There was a significant improvement in xerostomia, functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, and social efficacy (p<0.001). Conclusions : The oral massage program enhanced the oral function of the elderly people, and had an influence on the improvement of oral health-related quality of life.

Oral conditions and dysphagia in Japanese, community-dwelling middle- and older- aged adults, independent in daily living

“…Moreover, stimulations caused during oral care may affect the swallowing reflex and may improve swallowing ability 21. Furthermore, oral massage improves the flow rate of saliva in patients with xerostomia 22,23. Thus, management of oral condition might prove beneficial because of its association with the teeth health and other conditions, such as oral dryness, dysphagia and pneumonia.…”

“… 21 Furthermore, oral massage improves the flow rate of saliva in patients with xerostomia. 22 , 23 Thus, management of oral condition might prove beneficial because of its association with the teeth health and other conditions, such as oral dryness, dysphagia and pneumonia. Although most of the studies investigated older or frail people, this study showed the relationship between oral conditions and dysphagia in middle-aged and elderly adults.…”

Elderly Welfare System and Role of Dental Hygienists in Korea and Japan

“…A previous study reported that oral health management reduced the incidence of aspiration of pneumonia, verifying the importance of oral health management 36) . Issues on mental health problems due to reduced salivary secretion and lack of diet management due to aging have also been raised 20) . Unhealthy oral conditions make it impossible to ingest various nutrients and place a burden on the gastrointestinal system to cause gastrointestinal diseases, which can affect mental health 17) .…”

“…Moreover, owing to lack of oral health care activities, systemic diseases, and side effects of medications, the amount of saliva secretion may decrease, leading to oral health problems 17,18) . A previous study reported that massaging the muscles of the oral cavity and conducting mouth exercises can promote saliva secretion effectively, and that oral health can be improved by controlling the amount of saliva and stimulating mastication and sense of taste through massage 19,20) .…”