<p>Effects of oral environment on frailty: particular relevance of tongue pressure</p>

Abstract

PurposeOral frailty or the loss of oral functionality can be a symptomatic precursor of overall frailty. Previous studies have suggested that decreased tongue pressure causes a decline in ingesting and swallowing function and poor nutrition. This study investigated what factor(s) contribute to tongue pressure, thereby leading to frailty.Patients and methodsFor the purposes of the present study, 467 residents of Hirosaki city in northern Japan aged≥60 years who completed a questionnaire about frailty and underwent an intraoral assessment, which included number of teeth, presence or absence of periodontitis, tongue pressure, and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) were recruited.ResultsOf the 467 participants with complete data sets, frailty was identified in 13 (7.5%) of 173 males and in 34 (11.6%) of 294 females. Significantly fewer teeth, lower tongue pressure, and a reduced diadochokinetic syllable rate were more prevalent among frail than among healthy residents. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age, body mass index, number of teeth, and tongue pressure significantly contributed to frailty, whereas ODK did not. Multiple regression analysis showed that tongue pressure was positively associated with muscle index and number of teeth.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that fewer teeth and lower tongue pressure, but not ODK function, are risk factors for developing overall frailty among older residents.

Validation of masticatory function and related factors in maxillectomy patients based on the concept of "oral hypofunction": A retrospective cross-sectional study

“…The number of patients who exhibited a higher value than the threshold value in each oral function was also described. Although all oral functions were comparatively lower than those reported in previous studies [12,[22][23][24][25][26], the median value of masticatory function (114 mg/ dL, IQR: 73-167.5) was higher than a threshold value (100 mg/dL) and 27 of the 50 patients exceeded a threshold value. However, the patients in the present study demonstrated comparatively lower values of MOF (229.2 N, IQR: 110.2-419.6) and MTP (25.9 kPa, IQR: 21.4-29.0).…”

Oral hypofunction and its association with frailty in community‐dwelling older people

“…In recent years, various cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have shown that frailty in community-dwelling older people is associated with decreases in oral functions such as occlusal force, tongue pressure and masticatory function. [9][10][11][12] Various items contribute to oral function; however, no standardized evaluation criteria for multiple oral functions have been determined. There is also little information on the effects of a combination of decreased oral functions on frailty.…”

Effects of Tongue-Strengthening Self-Exercises in Healthy Older Adults: A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Fourth, we did not perform any assessment of subject frailty in this study. Previous studies have suggested a relationship between tongue strength and frailty [3]. When the subject is an older adult, frailty affecting muscle strength should be assessed, such as with a cardiovascular health study index [45,46].…”

“…The prevalence of frailty increases with age and the associated risk of health problems such as institutionalization, hospitalization, and falls, and death is recognized internationally [1,2]. Previous studies have linked tongue strength and frailty, and a decrease in tongue strength is known to affect feeding, swallowing functions, and nutrition [3]. In addition, the tongue plays an important role in swallowing, and weakening of the tongue muscles is one of the most common age-related changes in older individuals [4].…”