Abstract
The effect of professional care on oral hygiene and feeding functions by dental hygienists for bedridden elderly was evaluated. A total of 106 bedridden individuals were divided into three groups according to the degree of intervention by dental hygienists. Thirty-one individuals who received no intervention were classified as group A, and 34 individuals (group B) received a professional oral health care. Forty-one individuals who received both professional and functional oral health care were classified as group C. Feeding conditions were recorded by nurses. To evaluate the effect of the professional oral health care, dentists and dental hygienists assessed oral conditions and functions before, after two months, and after four months of the intervention. Each subject was scored, and the results were statistically analyzed by a chi-square test. The results were as follows : The number of subjects who have food drooling significantly increased after four months in group A (p<<0.05). On the other hand, the number of subjects who have food drooling significantly decreased after four months in group B (p<<0.01). The number of subjects whose tongue plaque decreased after two and four months of the intervention in group B (p<<0.05, 0.01). From the results of this survey, it is suggested that professional care by dental hygienists to improve the oral hygiene and feeding functions of bedridden elderly is required.
