Improvement of oral function and status before and after oral health education for elderly

Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and necessity of oral function programs using threedimensional and tongue muscle-strengthening exercises for the elderly in public health centers. We also sought to provide basic data for developing community-based programs to promote oral health among the elderly population. Methods: The program was conducted once a week for eight weeks and included stereoscopic and tongue muscle exercises. Oral function was assessed before and after the program, using both subjective and objective tools. Of the 22 participants, 14 were included in the final analysis after excluding 8 insincere participants. Results: The oral condition was objectively evaluated before and after the program. Oral moisture levels were found to have increased significantly from 21.76 to 24.59 after eight weeks (p<0.01). Conclusions: Our findings show that stereoscopic and tongue muscle-strengthening exercises positively impact oral function in the elderly. Continued implementation of these exercises can enhance oral health and the overall health of the elderly.