The Effects of Orofacial Myofunctional Training on the Changes of Lip and Tongue Strength in Elderly People

Abstract

Background: Increasing age and loss of teeth weaken oral muscle strength. This study aimed to investigate the positive effects of orofacial myofunctional training on elderly people. Methods: Thirty six elderly individuals in a welfare center and a senior citizen center were included in this study. A survey regarding lip and tongue strength suvsequent to orofacial myofunctional training and oral health-related quality of life was conducted from April to June, 2019. Data were analyzed using PASW statistics ver. 18.0. Results: The experimental group, showed an increase in lip strength (from 9.79 to 10.31) and tongue strength (from 41.26 to 43.97) after orofacial myofunctional training. The perception of oral health-relatedquality of life was enhanced (from 2.26 to 2.07). In particular, the frequency of dry cough for food removal while swallowing decresed due to an incresed in the secretion of saliva (p＜0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the number of functional teeth was positively related to oral health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Orofacial myofunctional training for improving lip and tongue strength is effective in the elderly. In older societies, oral strength should be maintained to improve oral health-related quality of life. It also suggests the interest of oral health workers and applying orofacial myofunctional training programs.

Oral Rehabilitation Using the Lip Muscle Trainer: A Narrative Review

“…Different massive functional and structural changes occur with the aging process, including the tongue, oral and perioral tissues, oral sensation, and lips muscles [5]. Increased tooth loss associated with aging is a risk factor for weak tongue and lip muscles, especially in the elderly with less than 15 teeth [6]. The structure and consistency of the orbicularis oris muscle also show changes with aging, such as the shape of fibers, atrophy signs, smaller fascicles and bundles, and an increase in the surrounding layer of epimysium [7].…”

“…Orofacial Myofunctional Training (OMT) is effective for improving tongue and lip closure strength. Oral strength should be maintained and enhanced, especially in the elderly, to improve their oral health and quality of life (QoL) [6]. Although the Patakara is not a new device, studies on using the Patakara lip muscle trainer are sparse.…”

A narrative review on the use of lip trainer (Patakara) in oral rehabilitation

“…Sarcopenia-related functional and structural changes appear in all body parts involving the tongue and lip muscles, oral and perioral complexes, and oral sensation [5]. Increased ageing-related tooth loss is a predisposing factor for weak tongue and labial muscles [6]. Atrophy, smaller fascicles and bundles, and changed fibre shape are the main reported form and consistency ageing-related changes of OOM [7].…”