Effect of an oral myofunctional exercise program on improving oral myofunction in older adults

Objectives: The aim of this was to evaluate the effects of an oral myofunctional exercise program on improving oral function in older adults who use welfare tubes. Methods: We recruited 37 older adults who had used the Gyeongbuk Community Welfare Center for approximately four months between June and October 2022. The control group completed a questionnaire and an objective oral myofunction assessment, whereas the experimental group participated in an oral myofunction exercise program. The program was conducted twice weekly for 8 weeks at a community center. Objective oral health assessments were performed in both groups before, during, and after, 4 and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention period. Results: As a result of the oral myofunctional exercise program, a comparison of the subjects bite force (p=0.008), tongue pressure (p=0.003), maximum mouth opening (p<0.001), and alternating Diadochokinesis (DDK) (p<0.001) showed that the experimental group had greater improvements than the control group. Conclusions: Based on these findings, oral myofunctional exercise-such as chewing silicone straws and playing harmonica-should be incorporated into the existing oral health programs in public health centers and welfare facilities for older adults.